diffident
[dif-i-duh nt]
- lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.
- restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.
- Archaic. distrustful.
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Origin of diffident
Synonyms
See more synonyms for diffident on Thesaurus.com1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy1.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for diffident
Contemporary Examples
He was charming, diffident but above all very friendly, with no airs or graces.
Every study ever performed has shown that the fit and lean outlive the dumpy and diffident every time.
Historical Examples
The diffident took heart before him, and the presumptuous were checked.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
She spoke with diffident slowness, her gaze fastened upon her plate.
The Market-PlaceHarold Frederic
The tone of his voice, now soft and diffident, startled Hardy out of his dream.
Hidden WaterDane Coolidge
Barrington was the most diffident of men; his bashfulness amounted to actual pain.
BarringtonCharles James Lever
Edith, funny and diffident, now rose and addressed the class.
Molly Brown's Senior DaysNell Speed
diffident
- lacking self-confidence; timid; shy
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Word Origin
C15: from Latin diffīdere to distrust, from dis- not + fīdere to trust
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for diffident
adj.
mid-15c., from Latin diffidentem (nominative diffidens), present participle of diffidere (see diffidence). Related: Diffidently.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper