Related Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
diffident - 3 dictionary results
dif⋅fi⋅dent
[dif-i-duh
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 ME < L diffīdent- (s. of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing prp. of diffīdere), equiv. to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
1425–75; late ME < L diffīdent- (s. of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing prp. of diffīdere), equiv. to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
Related forms:
dif⋅fi⋅dent⋅ly, adverb
dif⋅fi⋅dent⋅ness, noun
Synonyms:
1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy 1 .
1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy 1 .
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To diffident
| dif·fi·dent (dĭf'ĭ-dənt, -děnt') adj.
[Middle English, from Latin diffīdēns, diffīdent-, present participle of diffīdere, to mistrust : dis-, dis- + fīdere, to trust; see bheidh- in Indo-European roots.] dif'fi·dent·ly adv. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Diffident
Dif"fi*dent\, a. [L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy.]1. Wanting confidence in others; distrustful. [Archaic] You were always extremely diffident of their success. --Melmoth. 2. Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve. The diffident maidens, Folding their hands in prayer. --Longfellow. Syn: Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Language Translation for : diffident
Spanish:
inseguro,
German:
schüchtern,
Japanese:
自信がない
Copyright © 2009, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
