diffidently

[ dif-i-duhnt-lee ]

/ ˈdɪf ɪ dənt li /

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See synonyms for diffidently on Thesaurus.com

adverb

in a way that shows lack of confidence in one’s own ability, worth, or fitness; timidly or shyly:He saw her approaching rather diffidently, trying to summon up her courage, smiling an uncertain smile.

in a restrained or reserved way:He got them to do the right thing not by scolding or nagging, but by calmly and diffidently laying out the logic of his position.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of diffidently

diffident + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM diffidently

non·dif·fi·dent·ly, adverbun·dif·fi·dent·ly, adverb

Words nearby diffidently

difficile, difficult, difficulty, diffidence, diffident, diffidently, diffluence, diffluent, Difflugia, diffract, diffraction

How to use diffidently in a sentence

It also raises the worry about writerly futility before closing with a diffident call for community, hope and faith in the possible.
Delusions, justice, accountability and freedom in America|Paul Taylor|December 18, 2020|Washington Post
Dylan later acknowledged, somewhat diffidently, that Edie was an “exciting girl, very enthusiastic.”
Bob Dylan and the Writing of ‘Blonde on Blonde’ at the Chelsea Hotel|Sherill Tippins|December 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The nation looked diffidently into the vast mirror of the Olympics and—to collective surprise—found it liked what it saw.
Britain Gets Its Groove Back|Peter Popham|September 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He would chuck one under the chin, or feel diffidently the soft little cheek, but a closer familiarity scared him.
Cabin Fever|B. M. Bower

When the parson had got to his feet again, Aunt Esther All diffidently touched his elbow.
The Cruise of the Shining Light|Norman Duncan
She told him, told the story graphically and well, but so far as her own part in it was concerned rather diffidently.
Forging the Blades|Bertram Mitford
Mademoiselle, please do not think that I mean to intrude, I said diffidently, when I had come to her side.
The Wasted Generation|Owen Johnson
"I've never spoken of that to any man, sir, but I've been thinking about it," announced the sergeant diffidently.
The Code of the Mountains|Charles Neville Buck