What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cowardice
Example
His cowardice prevented him from standing up for what he believed in. [cowardice: noun]
Example
She accused him of cowardice for not speaking up against the injustice. [cowardice: noun]
timidity
Example
Her timidity made it difficult for her to make new friends. [timidity: noun]
Example
He approached the situation with timidity, unsure of how to proceed. [timidity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timidity is more commonly used than cowardice in everyday language, as it is a more neutral term that can be used to describe a variety of situations. Cowardice is a stronger and more negative term that is typically reserved for situations where courage or bravery is expected or required.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cowardice and timidity?
Both cowardice and timidity are formal words that are typically used in serious or critical contexts. However, cowardice may be seen as more formal and severe due to its association with shame or guilt, while timidity can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
