diffident
Say it: DIF-ih-dunt /ˈdɪfɪd(ə)nt/ · adjective
What “diffident” means
Shy because you do not feel confident in yourself.
More precisely: Modest or shy because you lack confidence in yourself.
Example: “He's diffident in meetings, but his written proposals are the sharpest on the team.”
When to use it
When someone holds back because they doubt themselves. A gentle, slightly formal description of shyness or low confidence.
Similar words
shy, timid, unassertive
Where it comes from
From Latin diffidere, 'to fail in trust', from dis- + fidere 'to trust'.
Quick check
Although she knows the answer, Aisha hesitates to raise her hand because she doubts herself. She seems…
indifferent or diffident?
Show the answer
diffident
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