diffident

The definition of diffident is someone who is lacking in confidence, timid or shy.

(adjective)

An example of diffident is a young man who is afraid to sign up for the football team.

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See diffident in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

full of diffidence; lacking self-confidence; timid; shy

Origin: L diffidens: see diffidence

Related Forms:

See diffident in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid. See Synonyms at shy1.
  2. Reserved in manner.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin diffīdēns, diffīdent-

Origin: , present participle of diffīdere, to mistrust

Origin: : dis-, dis-

Origin: + fīdere, to trust; see bheidh- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • difˈfi·dent·ly adverb

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