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diffident

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diffident

Main Entry:: dif·fi·dent
Pronunciation:: \-dənt, -ˌdent\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis- + fidere to trust — more at bide
Date:: 15th century

1: hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence2archaic : distrustful3: reserved , unassertive

synonyms see shy

— dif·fi·dent·ly adverb

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