Definition

The quality of being fearful or shy; a tendency to be easily frightened or lacking in confidence.

Example

Her timorousness made it difficult for her to speak in front of large groups.

Conversation

I noticed you seemed a bit hesitant at the meeting today.

Yeah, I guess my timorousness got the best of me.

It's okay; sometimes it's tough to speak up in front of others.

True, but I want to work on overcoming that feeling.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Timorousness → It is formed from "timorous" (from Latin "timorosus", meaning fearful or timid) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "timorousness" refers to the state of being fearful or timid.

Memory Tip

Think of 'timorous' meaning fearful, and remember that 'timorousness' describes the quality of being fearful.

Visually Confused Words