diffident Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite showing modest reserve
- she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture
adjective lacking self-confidence
shy; timid; unsure.
- stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
- problems that call for bold not timid responses
- a very unsure young man

L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy.

Wanting confidence in others; distrustful. Archaic
You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth.
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.