What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shy
Example
She's too shy to speak up in class. [shy: adjective]
Example
He always becomes shy when he's around new people. [shy: adverb]
timid
Example
The timid child was afraid to go on the roller coaster. [timid: adjective]
Example
She spoke timidly, unsure of how her words would be received. [timidly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shy is more commonly used than timid in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shy and timid?
Both shy and timid are relatively informal words, but timid may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage.
