This week's theme
Words to describe people

This week's words
lubricious
diffident
virulent
convivial
orgulous

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(DIF-i-duhnt)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Restrained or reserved.
2. Lacking in self-confidence.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin diffidere (to mistrust), from dis- (not) + fidere (to trust). Ultimately from the Indo-European root bheidh- (to trust), which also gave us abide, abode, fiancé, affidavit, confide, confident, defiance, fidelity, defy, and infidel. Earliest documented use: 1598.

USAGE:

"In contrast with Albert's bonhomie, Philippe seems shy and diffident."
Sire, There are No Belgians; The Economist (London, UK); Jul 27, 2013.

See more usage examples of diffident in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: