diffident
UK: ˈdɪfɪdənt | US: ˈdɪfɪdənt
adj. lacking self-confidence; timid or shy
adj. hesitant to assert oneself due to self-doubt
The word "diffident" originates from Latin diffidere ("to distrust"), combining dis- (apart, away) and fidere (to trust). The morpheme fid (from Latin fides, meaning "faith" or "trust") appears in related words like "confidence" (full trust) and "infidelity" (lack of trust). Over time, "diffident" evolved to describe someone who withdraws (dif-) from trust (fid) in themselves, hence its modern meaning of shyness or self-doubt.
Her diffident manner made it hard for her to speak up in meetings.
Despite his talent, he remained diffident about sharing his artwork.
The diffident student hesitated before answering the teacher’s question.
His diffident smile revealed his nervousness.
She overcame her diffident nature through years of practice.