Main Entry: dif·fi·dent

Pronunciation: \-dənt, -ˌdent\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis- + fidere to trust — more at bide

Date: 15th century

1 : hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
2 archaic : distrustful
3 : reserved, unassertive

synonyms see shy

— dif·fi·dent·ly adverb