 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Diffident
Pronunciation : Dif"fi*dent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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