What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
timid
Example
The timid child hid behind their mother's legs when meeting new people. [timid: adjective]
Example
The cat was too timid to come out from under the bed when visitors arrived. [timid: adjective]
apprehensive
Example
I'm apprehensive about taking the test tomorrow. [apprehensive: adjective]
Example
She was apprehensive about speaking in front of a large audience. [apprehensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timid is more commonly used than apprehensive in everyday language. Timid is a versatile word that can be used to describe a variety of situations, while apprehensive is more specific and often used in formal or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between timid and apprehensive?
Apprehensive is generally considered more formal than timid. It is often used in academic or professional writing to describe a specific feeling or attitude, while timid is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
