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Definition of diffident

diffident

/ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt/
dif · fi · dent
Adverb:diffidently
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diffident Lexical Profile

diffident Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Modest, shy, or reserved because of a lack of self-confidence.

Example

"Despite his brilliant research, the young scholar gave a diffident presentation at the annual conference."

2

Distrustful or suspicious of others (archaic).

Example

"Years of political intrigue had left the aging counselor diffident toward every new envoy at court."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for diffident

• Nearby Words

difficultly
difficultness
difficulty
diffident
diffuse
diffusely
diffuseness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Latin diffidentem, the present participle of diffidere ('to mistrust'), formed from dis- ('away, not') and fidere ('to trust'). Originally meaning distrustful of others, the sense shifted by the late 16th century to describe a lack of confidence in oneself.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Diffident. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/diffident
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