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more about diffident
diffident |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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] You were always extremely diffident of their success. --Melmoth. 2. Wanting confidence in one's self distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve. The diffident maidens, Folding their hands in prayer. --Longfellow. Syn: Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: 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: {shy}, {timid}, {unsure}]
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