ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intimidated

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪd// UK //ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪtɪd// in·tim·i·dat·ed

adj. feeling nervous, frightened, or less confident because of someone or something that seems very powerful or clever.

adj. feeling frightened or lacking in confidence, typically in the presence of a person or situation perceived as superior or powerful. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'feel' or 'seem'.


SIMPLE

I felt intimidated by the large crowd.

CONTEXTUAL

New employees often feel intimidated during their first meeting with the company directors.

COMPLEX

Even the most experienced debaters can feel intimidated when faced with a hostile audience and a panel of experts who disagree with every point.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'by'. Often describes a psychological state rather than a physical one.

Pitfall

The test was very intimidated.The test was very intimidating.Learners often confuse the -ed adjective (how you feel) with the -ing adjective (the thing that causes the feeling).

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