Diffident Definition

diffident
adjective
  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"

Usage tips for "diffident"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "diffident" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for diffident to find words that pair well.

Look up another word