timid
TIM-idadjMeaning easily frightened; shy
Memory hook TIM HID behind Mom. When the friendly puppy trots up, little Tim hides behind his mom’s legs. Shy, easily frightened Tim is timid.
The timid kitten hid under the bed whenever the doorbell rang.
In context At first Sofia was too timid to raise her hand, but by spring she was leading the class debate.
Similar shy, fearful, timorous, nervous
Opposite bold, confident, brave
From Latin timidus, “fearful,” from timere, “to fear.”