DIFFIDENT

diffident, shy, timid, unsure

(adjective) lacking self-confidence; “stood in the doorway diffident and abashed”; “problems that call for bold not timid responses”; “a very unsure young man”

diffident

(adjective) showing modest reserve; “she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor’s lecture”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

diffident (comparative more diffident, superlative most diffident)

(archaic) Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.

Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest

Synonyms: timid, modest

Source: Wiktionary


Dif"fi*dent, a. Etym: [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] You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth.

2. 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

2 July 2024

CIRCULATE

(verb) move through a space, circuit or system, returning to the starting point; “Blood circulates in my veins”; “The air here does not circulate”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

coffee icon