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diffident

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

diffident

Main Entry:: dif·fi·dent
Pronunciation:: \-dənt, -ˌdent\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis- + fidere to trust — more at bide
Date:: 15th century

1: hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence2archaic : distrustful3: reserved , unassertive

synonyms see shy

— dif·fi·dent·ly adverb

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