Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [dif-i-duh nt]
- /ˈdɪf ɪ dənt/
- /ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [dif-i-duh nt]
- /ˈdɪf ɪ dənt/
Definitions of diffident word
- adjective diffident lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. 1
- adjective diffident restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc. 1
- adjective diffident Archaic. distrustful. 1
- noun diffident Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. 1
- adjective diffident shy, reserved 1
- adjective diffident Someone who is diffident is rather shy and does not enjoy talking about themselves or being noticed by other people. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of diffident
First appearance:
before 1425 One of the 25% oldest English words
1425-75; late Middle English < Latin diffīdent- (stem of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing, present participle of diffīdere), equivalent to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Diffident
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
diffident popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 66% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
diffident usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for diffident
adj diffident
- sheepish — embarrassed or bashful, as by having done something wrong or foolish.
- demure — If you describe someone, usually a young woman, as demure, you mean they are quiet and rather shy, usually in a way that you like and find appealing, and behave very correctly.
- meek — humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
- self-effacing — the act or fact of keeping oneself in the background, as in humility.
- bashful — Someone who is bashful is shy and easily embarrassed.
Antonyms for diffident
adj diffident
- brave — Someone who is brave is willing to do things which are dangerous, and does not show fear in difficult or dangerous situations.
- confident — If you are confident about something, you are certain that it will happen in the way you want it to.
- aggressive — An aggressive person or animal has a quality of anger and determination that makes them ready to attack other people.
- bold — Bold lines or designs are drawn in a clear, strong way.
adjective diffident
- brash — If you describe someone or their behaviour as brash, you disapprove of them because you think that they are too confident and aggressive.
Top questions with diffident
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See also
Matching words
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