| Front | diffident \DIF-i-duhnt\ |
|---|---|
| Back | adjective 1. Lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy. 2. Restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc. [From Latin diffidere (to mistrust), from dis- (not) + fidere (to trust). Ultimately from the Indo-European root bheidh- (to trust), which also gave us abide, abode, fiancé, affidavit, confide, confident, defiance, fidelity, defy, and infidel. Earliest documented use: 1598.] "In contrast with Albert's bonhomie, Philippe seems shy and diffident." - Sire, There are No Belgians; The Economist (London, UK); Jul 27, 2013. |
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