diffident

/'difidənt/
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diffident

A diffident student hesitates before raising her hand in class.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Lacking self-confidence; hesitant to assert oneself: Describes a person who is shy, modest, or unsure due to a lack of confidence in their own abilities or opinions.
    • Reserved or restrained due to shyness or modesty: Describes a manner or behavior that is not forward or bold, often from a desire not to impose or appear presumptuous.
Usage Examples
  • General Use:
    • He was too diffident to speak up in the large meeting.
    • Her diffident manner made it hard for her to make new friends.
  • With Prepositions:
    • She is diffident about her artistic talent.
    • He felt diffident in the presence of such renowned experts.
Advanced Usage
  • "Diffident to a fault": So lacking in confidence that it becomes a disadvantage.
    • His diffident-to-a-fault nature meant his excellent ideas were often overlooked.
  • Used to describe not just people, but also actions or expressions stemming from shyness.
    • She offered a diffident smile before looking away.
Variants and Related Words
  • Diffidence (noun): The quality or state of being diffident.
    • His diffidence prevented him from taking the leadership role.
  • Diffidently (adverb): In a diffident manner.
    • He diffidently suggested an alternative plan.
Synonyms
  • Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.
  • Bashful: Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.
  • Self-effacing: Not claiming attention for oneself; retiring.
  • Unassuming: Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.
Antonyms
  • Confident: Feeling or showing certainty about something.
  • Assertive: Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
  • Bold: Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • A diffident air/manner: A demeanor characterized by shyness or reserve.
    • Despite his knowledge, he answered questions with a diffident air.
  • To be diffident of (something): To feel unsure or lacking in confidence regarding a specific thing.
    • She was diffident of her chances of success.
diffident

A diffident student hesitates before raising her hand in class.

Adjective
  1. lacking self-confidence
    • stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
    • problems that call for bold not timid responses
    • a very unsure young man
  2. showing modest reserve
    • she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture

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