diffident

[dif-i-duhnt]

adjective

1. lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.

   Synonyms: unassuming, modest, abashed, self-conscious

2. restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.

3. Archaic.,  distrustful.

diffident

/ ˈdɪfɪdənt /

adjective

1. lacking self-confidence; timid; shy

Other Word Forms

• diffidently adverb
• diffidentness noun
• nondiffident adjective
• undiffident adjective
• diffidence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffident¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin diffīdent- (stem of diffīdēns “mistrusting, despairing,” present participle of diffīdere ), equivalent to dif- dif- + fīd- “trust” + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffident¹

C15: from Latin diffīdere to distrust, from dis- not + fīdere to trust

Synonym Study

See shy ¹.

Related Words

• bashful 
• demure 
• meek 
• self-conscious 
• self-effacing 
• sheepish 
• timid 
• unassuming