diffident
Use Diffident in a sentence
ɪ adjective
1.
lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.
2.
restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.
3.
Archaic. distrustful.
Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English < Latin diffīdent- (stem of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing present participle of diffīdere), equivalent to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
1425–75; late Middle English < Latin diffīdent- (stem of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing present participle of diffīdere), equivalent to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
Related forms
dif·fi·dent·ly, adverb
dif·fi·dent·ness, noun
non·dif·fi·dent, adjective
non·dif·fi·dent·ly, adverb
un·dif·fi·dent, adjective
Synonyms
1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy1.
1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy1.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To diffident
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Diffident
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is inveigh. Does it mean:
| to protest strongly or attack vehemently with words |
| to become spread throughout all parts of |
Collins
World English Dictionary
diffident (ˈdɪfɪdənt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| lacking self-confidence; timid; shy | |
| [C15: from Latin diffīdere to distrust, from dis- not + fīdere to trust] | |
| 'diffidence | |
| —n | |
| 'diffidently | |
| —adv | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
diffident
1590s, from L. diffidentem, prp. of diffidere (see diffidence). Related: Diffidently.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
Yet, despite the bragging, it seemed to me a diffident and unconfident performance.
The oppressive fear of criticism was gone, but a diffident loneliness remained.
He has attracted many students from the fringe of prejudice who for various reasons felt diffident about the other race.
He is diffident but correct in his mannerisms, and his final revolt is in good, quiet taste.
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