diffident
lacking confidence; shy and hesitant
Word origin: From Latin diffidere, to distrust, from fidere, to trust.
Diffident in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing diffident in a sentence.
Too diffident to volunteer, he waited to be called on.
The diffident new hire rarely volunteered an opinion until directly asked.
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Verbal · Text Completion
The committee's report was praised for its candor, yet its central recommendation was so blank that administrators could cite it to justify nearly any policy they had already resolved to pursue.
Using “diffident” well
Diffident describes a shy, self-doubting manner, pairing with timid and bashful. It should not be confused with indifferent, a look-alike meaning uninterested rather than unconfident.
More GRE words starting with D
to engage in something superficially or as a casual pastime
a raised platform for speakers or honored guests
to waste time or act without urgency
to make something slightly wet, or to make a feeling or reaction less strong
marked with spots or patches of color or light
to intimidate or discourage with fear or doubt
to move slowly or waste time idly
a scarcity or shortage of something
Questions about “diffident”
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