ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›D›diffident
ISEE/SSAThard
diffident
modest because of a lack of self-confidence
Synonyms
- shy
- timid
- reserved
Antonyms
- confident
- bold
- assertive
diffident in a sentence
Diffident at first, she eventually spoke with conviction.
Her diffident smile suggested she was uneasy.
Where it comes from
From Latin diffidere 'to mistrust'
Memory hook
DIFFIDENT — DIFFI-cult to be conFIDENT.
Word parts
- fid — faith, trust
diffident: dif- (apart, lacking) + fid (trust) + -ent (having the quality of)
Read it in context
- The Eastern Turn History