Search Result for "diffident": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (2)

1. showing modest reserve;
- Example: "she was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture"

2. lacking self-confidence;
- Example: "stood in the doorway diffident and abashed"
- Example: "problems that call for bold not timid responses"
- Example: "a very unsure young man"
[syn: diffident, shy, timid, unsure]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

diffident
    adj 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" [syn: diffident, shy, timid,
       unsure] [ant: confident]