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skittish

[ˈskɪtɪʃ]

skittish Definition

  • 1nervous or easily frightened, and likely to run away or avoid unfamiliar situations
  • 2changing suddenly and often

Using skittish: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "skittish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The skittish horse refused to cross the bridge.

  • Example

    She's always been skittish around strangers.

  • Example

    The stock market can be skittish in times of uncertainty.

  • Example

    The cat was too skittish to come out from under the bed.

skittish Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for skittish

Phrases with skittish

  • extremely nervous or jumpy

    Example

    The new employee was skittish as a colt during his first presentation.

  • nervous or hesitant about something

    Example

    She's always been skittish about public speaking.

  • a market that is unpredictable and prone to sudden changes

    Example

    Investors are wary of the skittish market and are holding onto their assets.

Origins of skittish

from 'skit-', meaning 'move quickly', and '-ish', meaning 'somewhat'

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Summary: skittish in Brief

The term 'skittish' [ˈskɪtɪʃ] describes someone or something that is nervous, easily frightened, and likely to avoid unfamiliar situations. It can also refer to something that changes suddenly and often, such as a skittish market. Examples include 'The skittish horse refused to cross the bridge' and 'She's always been skittish around strangers.' Phrases like 'skittish as a colt' and 'skittish about something' further illustrate this sense of nervousness.