Timorous
hardNegative toneTIM-er-us
adjective
Definition
fearful, timid, or lacking in confidence
Memory hook
TIMOROUS: tiny TIMmy is so nervous he says 'gimme MORE of US' to hide in the crowd — too fearful to stand alone.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“A timorous knock at the door suggested the visitor would rather not be there.”
“Once a timorous student, she grew into a confident public speaker.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“A ______ knock at the door suggested the visitor would rather not be there.”
Show answer
timorous
Categories
GRE Tip
Timorous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "timid" or "fearful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "bold".
Related GRE Words
diffident
Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
reserved
Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; reticent
sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
saturnine
gloomy, sullen, or grimly serious in temperament
craven
contemptibly cowardly; lacking courage
stoic
showing endurance of hardship without complaint or visible emotion
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