diffident Definition
- 1lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy
- 2restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.
Using diffident: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "diffident" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was diffident about her ability to speak in public.
Example
He was diffident and hesitant when it came to making decisions.
Example
The diffident student hesitated to ask the teacher a question.
diffident Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with diffident
Example
She gave him a diffident smile, unsure of how he would react.
Example
He approached the group with a diffident manner, unsure of how he would be received.
a personality that is lacking in confidence or self-assurance
Example
Her diffident personality made it difficult for her to make friends.
Origins of diffident
from Latin 'diffidentem', meaning 'mistrustful, distrustful'
Summary: diffident in Brief
The term 'diffident' [ˈdɪfɪdənt] refers to a lack of confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness. It can also describe a restrained or reserved manner. Examples include 'She was diffident about her ability to speak in public.' and 'The diffident student hesitated to ask the teacher a question.' Synonyms include 'shy,' 'timid,' and 'reserved.'
