'Diffident' definitions:

Definition of 'diffident'

From: WordNet
adjective
Showing modest reserve; "she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture"
adjective
Lacking self-confidence; "stood in the doorway diffident and abashed"; "problems that call for bold not timid responses"; "a very unsure young man" [syn: diffident, shy, timid, unsure] [ant: confident]

Definition of 'Diffident'

From: GCIDE
  • 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] [1913 Webster]
  • You were always extremely diffident of their success. --Melmoth. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve. [1913 Webster]
  • The diffident maidens, Folding their hands in prayer. --Longfellow.
  • Syn: Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'diffident'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Diffident'