diffident

Adjective
Synonyms: shytimidunsure

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (2)

  1. showing modest reserve“she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture”
  2. lacking self-confidence“stood in the doorway diffident and abashed”“problems that call for bold not timid responses”“a very unsure young man”Synonyms: shytimidunsure
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Webster's Dictionary (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]

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