Diffident
adjective
Not feeling confident or being shy and not wanting to attract attention.
She was diffident and reserved in meetings.
Often appears as...
- naturally diffident
- quite diffident
adjective
Not feeling confident or being shy and not wanting to attract attention.
She was diffident and reserved in meetings.
Often appears as...
- naturally diffident
- quite diffident
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotations
Using 'diffident' might suggest weakness or lack of courage, so be careful with its implications.
His diffident approach made others doubt his leadership ability.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
'Diffident' can imply modesty in some contexts, which can be seen positively.
Despite her success, she remained diffident about her accomplishments.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, being 'diffident' is valued more than being bold or outspoken.
In the meeting, his diffident manner was appreciated by the company's Japanese partners.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotations
Using 'diffident' might suggest weakness or lack of courage, so be careful with its implications.
His diffident approach made others doubt his leadership ability.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
'Diffident' can imply modesty in some contexts, which can be seen positively.
Despite her success, she remained diffident about her accomplishments.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, being 'diffident' is valued more than being bold or outspoken.
In the meeting, his diffident manner was appreciated by the company's Japanese partners.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotations
Using 'diffident' might suggest weakness or lack of courage, so be careful with its implications.
His diffident approach made others doubt his leadership ability.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
'Diffident' can imply modesty in some contexts, which can be seen positively.
Despite her success, she remained diffident about her accomplishments.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Perception
In some cultures, being 'diffident' is valued more than being bold or outspoken.
In the meeting, his diffident manner was appreciated by the company's Japanese partners.
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Quote examples
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
French Philosopher
If there is one thing I fear less than everything else, it is, I believe, persecution for my opinions. There are a good many points about which I may be diffident, but when it comes to questions of Truth and intellectual independence, there is no holding me - I can envisage no finer end than to sacrifice oneself for a conviction.
Quote examples
Albert J. Nock
American Philosopher
I am said to be difficult of acquaintance, unwilling to meet any one half way, and showing a social manner which is easy, not diffident, but formal and unresponsive, tending constantly to hold people off.
Quote examples
Jesse Harris
American Musician
In the past, I've been a bit diffident about my own albums, almost excusing them for some reason, even though deep down I felt strongly about them.
Quote examples
Hugh Grant
English Actor
I get very annoyed when people think I'm nice or diffident or a polite English gentleman. I'm a nasty piece of work, and people should know that.
Quote examples
Karl Rove
American Politician
I hate to sound sort of diffident about it but it strikes me that a lot of people on the right have got active lives and are doing other things.
Quote examples
Lauren Kate
American Author
Steve McQueen from 'The Getaway' is tough and independent. He can be diffident but is unabashed when it comes to love. And he's undeniably sexy.
Quote examples
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
French Philosopher
If there is one thing I fear less than everything else, it is, I believe, persecution for my opinions. There are a good many points about which I may be diffident, but when it comes to questions of Truth and intellectual independence, there is no holding me - I can envisage no finer end than to sacrifice oneself for a conviction.
Quote examples
Albert J. Nock
American Philosopher
I am said to be difficult of acquaintance, unwilling to meet any one half way, and showing a social manner which is easy, not diffident, but formal and unresponsive, tending constantly to hold people off.
Quote examples
Jesse Harris
American Musician
In the past, I've been a bit diffident about my own albums, almost excusing them for some reason, even though deep down I felt strongly about them.
Quote examples
Hugh Grant
English Actor
I get very annoyed when people think I'm nice or diffident or a polite English gentleman. I'm a nasty piece of work, and people should know that.
Quote examples
Karl Rove
American Politician
I hate to sound sort of diffident about it but it strikes me that a lot of people on the right have got active lives and are doing other things.
Quote examples
Lauren Kate
American Author
Steve McQueen from 'The Getaway' is tough and independent. He can be diffident but is unabashed when it comes to love. And he's undeniably sexy.
Example 1 of 6
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