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Oct 13, 2021 · diffident (adj.) mid-15c., "distrustful, wanting confidence in another's power," from Latin diffidentem (nominative diffidens ), present participle of diffidere "to mistrust, lack confidence," from dis- "away" (see dis- ) + fidere "to trust" (from PIE root *bheidh- "to trust, confide, persuade").
The earliest known use of the word diffident is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). OED's earliest evidence for diffident is from before 1460, in Knyghthode and Bataile.
Both words trace back to the Latin verb fīdere, which means "to trust." Diffident arose from a combination of fīdere and the prefix dis-, meaning "the absence of"; it has been used to refer to individuals lacking in self-trust since the 15th century.
uk / ˈdɪf.ɪ.d ə nt / us / ˈdɪf.ɪ.d ə nt / Add to word list. shy and not confident of your abilities: a diffident manner. diffident about You shouldn't be so diffident about your achievements - you've done really well! SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Shy and modest. aw shucks. backward. bashfully. bashfulness. inadequacy. inadequate.
A complete guide to the word "DIFFIDENT": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.
diffident ( English) Origin & history. Latin present participle of diffidere ("to mistrust ") Pronunciation. IPA: /ˈdɪfɪdənt/. Adjective. diffident ( comparative more diffident, superlative most diffident) ( archaic ): Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.
Oct 19, 2024 · diffident (comparative more diffident, superlative most diffident) (archaic) Lacking confidence in others; distrustful. Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest. Synonyms: timid, modest. Having therefore—but hold, as we are of our own abilities, let us here invite a superior power to our assistance.
