different between shrinking vs timorous

English

Etymology

shrink +? -ing.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA^(key): /?????k??/
• Hyphenation: shrink?ing

Verb

shrinking

1. present participle of shrink

Noun

shrinking (plural shrinkings)

1. The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.
   • 1822, The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal (volume 6, page 10)

     […] the silent grief beyond the power of words—the generous consolations of the noble sister—the shrinkings of the poor criminal, and his relapsings into a gentler penitence […]

English

Alternative forms

• timourous (obsolete)

Etymology

Borrowed into late Middle English from Old French temoros, from Medieval Latin timorosus, from Latin timor (“fear”), from time? (“I fear”). Doublet of timoroso.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?t?m???s/

Adjective

timorous (comparative more timorous, superlative most timorous)

1. fearful; afraid; timid
   • 1785, Robert Burns, To a Mouse

     Wee sleekit, cowrin', tim'rous beastie,

     Oh, what a panic's in thy breastie!

Synonyms

• (fearful): fearful, shy, timid

Antonyms

• (fearful): daredevil, dauntless, reckless

Related terms

• timorsome

Translations

References

• James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928) , “Timorous”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume X, Part 1 (Ti–U), London: Clarendon Press, OCLC 15566697, page 46, column 1.

Anagrams

• sumotori