What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cowardly
Example
He was too cowardly to stand up to the bullies. [cowardly: adjective]
Example
She acted cowardly by running away from the scene of the accident. [cowardly: adverb]
timid
Example
The timid child hid behind her mother's legs. [timid: adjective]
Example
He spoke timidly when addressing the large audience. [timidly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timid is more commonly used than cowardly in everyday language. Timid is a versatile word that can be used to describe a variety of situations and personality traits, while cowardly is more limited in scope and is typically reserved for situations involving danger or risk.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cowardly and timid?
Both cowardly and timid are considered formal words and may not be used as frequently in casual conversation. However, timid is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while cowardly is typically reserved for more serious or formal situations.
