Meaning
fear, apprehension
In a sentence
Ho timore di parlare davanti a tutti.
I'm afraid to speak in front of everyone.
Hai timore del cane o ti piace?
Are you afraid of the dog, or do you like it?
Entrò in silenzio, con timore e rispetto.
He entered quietly, with awe and respect.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| timore | masculine · singular |
| timori | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- More formal and literary than paura. In everyday speech, Italians usually prefer paura for ordinary fear.
- Common in the pattern avere timore di + noun/infinitive: Ho timore di sbagliare. Learners often overuse plain timore without a complement.
- Can mean respectful apprehension in formal contexts, especially religion or authority: timore di Dio is not just simple fear.