Inklingo

temeroso

te-meh-ROH-soh/temeˈɾoso/

temeroso means fearful in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

fearful, afraid

Also: apprehensive, timid
A small mouse hiding behind a large leaf, looking out with wide, nervous eyes.

📝 In Action

El perro es muy temeroso de los ruidos fuertes.

A2

The dog is very fearful of loud noises.

Me siento un poco temeroso por los resultados del examen.

B1

I feel a bit apprehensive about the exam results.

El gobierno se mostró temeroso de perder el apoyo popular.

B2

The government seemed afraid of losing popular support.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • miedoso (scaredy-cat/fearful)
  • asustadizo (easily spooked)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • temeroso defearful of
  • sentirse temerosoto feel fearful
  • un niño temerosoa fearful child

God-fearing

AdjectivemB2formal
A person kneeling in a humble pose inside a vast, beautiful stone cathedral with light streaming through windows.

📝 In Action

Mis abuelos eran personas muy temerosas de Dios.

B2

My grandparents were very God-fearing people.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • temeroso de DiosGod-fearing

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "temeroso" in Spanish:

apprehensivefearfulgod-fearing

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: temeroso

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence means 'She is naturally a fearful person'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
temor(fear)Noun
temer(to fear)Verb
temible(fearful / fearsome)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'timor' (fear), which also gave us the English word 'timid'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: temerosoItalian: timoroso

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'temeroso' and 'miedoso'?

'Temeroso' is slightly more formal and can imply worry or apprehension, while 'miedoso' is more common in daily speech and often implies a lack of courage.

Can I use 'temeroso' to describe a scary movie?

No. To describe something that CAUSES fear, use 'temible' (fearsome) or 'terrorífico' (terrifying). 'Temeroso' only describes the person feeling the fear.

How do I make 'temeroso' plural?

Simply add an 's'. Use 'temerosos' for a group of males or a mixed group, and 'temerosas' for a group of females.