DIFFIDENT


Meaning of DIFFIDENT in English

ˈdifədənt also -d ə nt or -ˌdent adjective

Etymology: Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to mistrust, from dif- (from dis- ) + fidere to trust — more at bide

1. archaic : lacking trust : doubtful , distrustful

2. : lacking confidence in oneself : distrustful of one's own powers : timid

3. : characterized by modest reserve

one should feel diffident … when offering to comment on any Hindu myth — Heinrich Zimmer

Synonyms: see shy

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.