Diffident Meaning in English
word
Definition
Someone who is diffident is shy, lacks confidence, and is often hesitant to speak or act because they are unsure of themselves.
Usage & Nuances
"Diffident" is formal and more literary than "shy." It often describes a quiet lack of self-confidence. Collocations: "diffident manner," "seem diffident." Not used for brief hesitation—relates to one's character.
Spanish: tímido - inseguroPortuguese (BR): tímido - inseguroPortuguese (PT): tímido - inseguroChinese (Simplified): 羞怯的 - 缺乏自信的Chinese (Traditional): 羞怯的 - 缺乏自信的Hindi: संकोची - आत्मविश्वासहीनArabic: خجول - غير واثق بنفسهBengali: লাজুক - আত্মবিশ্বাসহীনRussian: неуверенный в себе - застенчивыйJapanese: 内気な - 自信がないVietnamese: rụt rè - thiếu tự tinKorean: 소심한 - 자신감이 없는Turkish: çekingen - utangaçUrdu: خوداعتمادی سے محروم - ہچکچاتاIndonesian: pemalu - kurang percaya diri
Example Sentences
She felt diffident about speaking in front of the class.
basic
He has a diffident smile.
basic
The diffident student rarely volunteered to answer questions.
basic
At first, she seemed diffident, but she opened up as she got to know everyone.
natural
Don’t be so diffident—your ideas are worth sharing!
natural
He answered in a diffident manner, glancing down at his shoes.
natural