Diffident definition

dĭfĭ-dənt, -dĕnt
Lacking confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.
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The definition of diffident is someone who is lacking in confidence, timid or shy.

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

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Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid.

He was too diffident to express his opinion.

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Full of diffidence; lacking self-confidence; timid; shy.
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(archaic): Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.
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Origin of diffident

  • Middle English from Latin diffīdēns diffīdent- present participle of diffīdere to mistrust dis- dis- fīdere to trust bheidh- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Latin present participle of diffidere ("to mistrust")

    From Wiktionary

Diffident Sentence Examples

  • Princess Mary seemed even quieter and more diffident than usual.

  • Knows better, and is not diffident about saying so.

  • Richard sailed to England but was too diffident to visit his father's relatives.

  • He was at first diffident and embarrassed in speaking, but gradually overcame these difficulties, and was heard with much attention and deference, especially when he addressed the House on economic questions.

  • Building up the courage to visit a doctor You may feel very diffident or even scared at the prospect of going to a doctor.

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