diffident
/ˈdɪfɪdənt/
Group 3Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence GRE
Example in Context
The diffident researcher hesitated to present her groundbreaking findings, worried that more established scholars would dismiss her work.
Synonyms
shytimidmodest
Etymology
Rooted in distrust of oneself, leading to modesty and shyness.
- diffidere (Latin) — to distrust
Memory Aid
😬Sounds like “difficult dent”
Imagine a shy kid with a DIFFICULT DENT in their smile, feeling DIFFIDENT!
Visual Association
😳A person blushing and avoiding eye contact at a crowded party, overwhelmed by shyness.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Confusable Pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “diffident” mean on the GRE?
diffident (adjective) means “Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence”. The diffident researcher hesitated to present her groundbreaking findings, worried that more established scholars would dismiss her work.
How to remember “diffident” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “diffident” sounds like “difficult dent”. Imagine a shy kid with a DIFFICULT DENT in their smile, feeling DIFFIDENT!
What are synonyms for “diffident”?
Common synonyms: shy, timid, modest.