Related Searches
Nearby Words
nt
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
EXPANDun·dif·fi·dent·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
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. 2012.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
|
Link To diffident
:10
:09
:08
:07
:06
:05
:04
:03
:02
:01
Diffident
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is trenchant. Does it mean:
| forceful and vigorous |
| a loud, confused noise, continued or tumultuous |
Example Sentences
- She's more reserved and diffident, he's a chatterbox.
- He has attracted many students from the fringe of prejudice who for various reasons felt diffident about the other race.
- By her admission, she was a diffident student in school, and "not confident enough in my facts and figures" to lead any causes.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
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
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Word Dynamo By Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.