Nervous vs. Timid — What's the Difference?

Of or relating to the nerves or nervous system

Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened

Stemming from or affecting the nerves or nervous system

Lacking self-confidence; shy.

Easily agitated or distressed; high-strung or jumpy.

Fearful and hesitant

Marked by or having a feeling of unease or apprehension

Lacking in courage or confidence.

Vigorous in style or feeling; spirited

Wanting courage to meet danger; easily frightened; timorous; not bold; fearful; shy.

(Archaic) Strong; sinewy.

People who are fearful and cautious;

Of sinews and tendons.

Showing fear and lack of confidence

(obsolete) Full of sinews.

Contemptibly timid

(obsolete) Having strong or prominent sinews; sinewy, muscular.

Lacking self-confidence;

(obsolete) Of a piece of writing, literary style etc.: forceful, powerful.

Lacking conviction or boldness or courage;

Of nerves.

Supplied with nerves; innervated.

Affecting or involving the nerves or nervous system.

Nervose.

Easily agitated or alarmed; edgy, on edge.

Apprehensive, anxious, hesitant, worried.

Possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous.

Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer.

Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever.

Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed.

Sensitive; excitable; timid.

Apprehensive; as, a child nervous about his mother's reaction to his bad report card.

Easily agitated;

Causing or fraught with or showing anxiety;

Of or relating to the nervous system;

Excited in anticipation

Unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)