diffident

/ˈdɪfɪdənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪfɪdənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdi-fə-dənt -ˌdent/ (ame, mw)

diffident — adjective

  • diffidentpositive
  • more diffidentcomparative
  • most diffidentsuperlative

1. Diffident describes someone who holds back because they doubt their own judgment

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Diffident describes someone who holds back because they doubt their own judgment, skill, or right to speak.

例句

Yasmin stayed diffident during the design meeting, even after she had the best idea.

be + diffident during a meeting — quiet because of self-doubt

Although Quan knew the answer, he gave it in a diffident voice.

diffident voice — collocation showing hesitant delivery

同義詞
  • shy

    the broad everyday word, especially for social nervousness

  • timid

    suggests a more general lack of courage, not only doubt about your own ability

  • reserved

    can describe someone quiet by choice, without the self-doubt in 'diffident'

  • insecure

    focuses more on emotional uncertainty and the need for reassurance

反義詞
  • confident

    sure of your own ability or judgment

  • assertive

    ready to speak or act directly instead of holding back

  • self-assured

    formal and strong, emphasizing calm belief in yourself

文法句型

diffident + noun

be + diffident

diffident about + noun/gerund

too + diffident + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Often followed by about when someone is unsure of doing something, and sometimes by a to-infinitive after too. More formal than shy, and it usually points to self-doubt about ability or judgment rather than simple social embarrassment.

常見錯誤

❌The manager felt diffident of the stranger because he looked suspicious.
✅The manager felt wary of the stranger because he looked suspicious.
💡Modern 'diffident' is about lacking confidence in yourself, not distrusting another person.