[dif.fi.dent] adj [ME, fr. L diffident-, diffidens, prp. of diffidere to distrust, fr. dis- + fidere to trust--more at bide] (15c) 1: hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
2. archaic: distrustful
3: reserved, unassertive syn see shy -- dif.fi.dent.ly adv