Dif"fi*dent (?), a. [L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy.]

1.

Wanting confidence in others; distrustful.

[Archaic]

You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth.

2.

Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.

The diffident maidens, Folding their hands in prayer. Longfellow.

Syn. -- Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved.

 

© Webster 1913.

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