DIFFIDENT Meaning and
Definition
-
Diffident is an adjective that describes a person who lacks confidence in their abilities, opinions, or appearance. It refers to someone who is shy, hesitant, or self-conscious, often displaying a lack of assertiveness or feeling insecure in social situations.
A diffident person tends to be reserved and introverted, often preferring to blend into the background rather than actively participating or drawing attention to themselves. They may feel hesitant or unsure when expressing their thoughts, ideas, or emotions, and may be reluctant to take risks or advocate for themselves. This can lead to missed opportunities, as a diffident individual may hold back due to a fear of failure or embarrassment.
Someone who is diffident may also have low self-esteem or doubt their own worth or abilities. They may frequently seek approval from others, often relying on external validation to feel confident. This lack of self-assuredness can be visible in their posture, tone of voice, or non-verbal cues, such as avoiding eye contact or displaying a withdrawn demeanor.
It is important to note that being diffident is not necessarily a negative trait, as it can also signify humility or a sense of modesty. However, if an individual's diffidence becomes excessive, it may hinder their personal and professional growth, requiring them to work on building self-confidence and assertiveness.
-
Distrustful of one's own power or ability; modest; timid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DIFFIDENT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DIFFIDENT
Etymology of DIFFIDENT
The word diffident is derived from the Latin word diffidere, which is a combination of dis (meaning away) and fidere (meaning to trust or to have confidence). The original Latin term diffidere conveyed a sense of lack of trust or faith. From Latin, the word entered Middle English as diffident in the 15th century, with its meaning narrowed down to lacking self-confidence or shy.
Similar spelling words for DIFFIDENT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
