Temerity and Timidity: Boldness vs. Shyness

Temerity and Timidity: Boldness vs. Shyness

Understanding Temerity and Timidity

Today, we will learn about two words: temerity and timidity. These words sound alike but mean very different things.

Temerity

The word temerity comes from a Latin word meaning “rash” or “bold”. It is when someone does something brave but maybe a little too risky or without thinking carefully.

How to Use Temerity:

• He had the temerity to jump from the high rock into the deep water.
• The little girl showed temerity when she stood up to the big bully.
• Ryan’s temerity surprised everyone when he asked the actor for a picture.
• She had the temerity to question the teacher during the lesson.
• The fox showed temerity by trying to sneak past the guard dogs.

Timidity

The word timidity comes from a Latin word meaning “scare” or “fear”. It is when someone feels shy, scared, or not brave enough to do something.

How to Use Timidity:

• The child’s timidity kept her from joining the group of kids playing.
• Timidity made the student speak very quietly during his presentation.
• Her timidity showed when she went on stage for the first time.
• The puppy’s timidity was clear as it hid under the table.
• John’s timidity stopped him from asking for help, even when he needed it.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of a “T”,

• Temerity means Taking a risk.
• Timidity means Too shy.

Summary

Temerity is about being very bold, maybe too much, sometimes without thinking. Timidity is about being shy or afraid to try something or say something.

Remember: Temerity = bravery with risk and Timidity = shyness or fear.