diffident
Americanadjective
-
lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.
- Synonyms:
- unassuming, modest, abashed, self-conscious
-
restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.
-
Archaic. distrustful.
adjective
Related Words
See shy 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of diffident
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
Explanation
The adjective diffident describes someone who is shy and lacking in self-confidence. If you are shy and have a diffident manner, you should probably not choose one of these professions: substitute teacher, stand-up comic, or lion-tamer. Diffident can describe someone who is reserved and restrained. Some may mistake your diffident manner for coolness or aloofness. Although it may be in your nature to be diffident, you will find it impossible to remain so when you visit my family. They are a big, noisy, outgoing bunch and they will make you join in the fun until you let loose and open up. Don't say you weren't warned!
Vocabulary lists containing diffident
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The slight turbo lag and diffident throttle behavior at low speed goes away.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
But the overarching tone, across the board, is oddly diffident.
From Slate • Apr. 25, 2025
Conservative leadership contender James Cleverly claims he has been "underestimated" throughout his political career because he has been too "diffident" about his achievements.
From BBC • Sep. 13, 2024
Not unlike Oldroyd’s sharp debut feature, “Lady Macbeth,” “Eileen” casts a seemingly diffident young woman as the antihero of an unusually cruel liberation story.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2023
Silent, waiting for the bell to sound, I remained dazed, diffident, afraid.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
