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