# shrinking violet

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ ˈvaɪələt/

## Definitions
1. A very shy or timid person, who avoids contact with others if possible.

## Etymology
Possibly from the inconspicuous nature of the violet (genus Viola) flower and plant. The term appears to have been first used in the literal sense in the early 19th century.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/shrinking-violet