Timidly means doing something in a shy, nervous, or hesitant way because you lack confidence or feel uncertain. When someone speaks timidly, their voice might be quiet and shaky. When a student timidly raises their hand to answer a question, they might lift it just barely above their desk, unsure whether their answer is right.

The word describes behavior that shows fear of making mistakes, drawing attention, or facing rejection. A child meeting a new group might approach timidly, taking small steps and keeping their eyes down. An inexperienced swimmer might enter the deep end of the pool timidly, moving slowly and staying close to the edge.

Acting timidly is natural when you're trying something new or unfamiliar. A young musician might perform timidly at their first recital, but with practice and experience, that same person might later play boldly and confidently. The opposite of acting timidly would be acting boldly, confidently, or assertively.