Diffident
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈdɪfɪdənt/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Diffident is an adjective meaning Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest.
Meaning
Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest.
More Meanings
- (archaic) Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.
Example Sentences
Having therefore—but hold, as we are diffident of our own abilities, let us here invite a superior power to our assistance.
At an early point in these exchanges I had started to sidle to the door, and I now sidled through it, rather like a diffident crab on some sandy beach trying to avoid the attentions of a child with a spade.
Emma is spoiled by being the cleverest of her family. At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being able to answer questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident.
Synonyms for diffident
Depending on context, synonyms include timid, modest, reserved, unsure, shy, unconfident.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include timid, unsure, shy, reserved, unconfident, coy.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.