Diffident
['dɪfɪd(ə)nt] or ['dɪfɪdənt]
Definition
(adj.) lacking self-confidence; 'stood in the doorway diffident and abashed'; 'problems that call for bold not timid responses'; 'a very unsure young man' .
(adj.) showing modest reserve; 'she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture' .
Edited by Clare--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Wanting confidence in others; distrustful.
(a.) Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.
Inputed by Byron
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Distrustful, doubtful.[2]. Bashful, timid, sheepish, over-modest, distrustful of one's self.
Editor: Noreen
Synonyms and Antonyms
[See MODEST]
Edited by Adela
Definition
adj. wanting faith in: distrustful of one's self: modest: bashful.—n. Diff′idence want of confidence: want of self-reliance: modesty: bashfulness.—adv. Diff′idently.
Checked by Barlow
Examples
- No one ever goes away from Edison in doubt as to what he thinks or means, but he is ever shy and diffident to a degree if the talk turns on himself rather than on his work. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident. Jane Austen. Emma.
- In the last degree constrained, reserved, diffident, troubled. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- In the present instance, however, more embarrassment was shown than is usual even with diffident Englishwomen. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I felt a little diffident at the thought of an introduction to strangers--that was all. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I soon saw you were diffident. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Up to this time, I had been a little diffident about the propriety of the advice I had given to her. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- You think her diffident. Jane Austen. Emma.
- My memory of past errors and perplexities, makes me diffident for the future. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- He was a diffident though distinguished nurseryman, and feared that the audience might regard his bid as a foolish one. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- My dears,' said their father, 'he is a diffident gentleman, and I should say particularly so in the society of girls of your age. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Then, turning to me, in a diffident, half-appealing voice--Lucy-- Well, I am at your side. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Every time their eyes met, I saw more and more what a tremendous power that weak, diffident school-girl could wield if she chose to do it. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Checked by Barlow