diffidently

UK: /ˈdɪfɪdəntli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dif•fi•dent /ˈdɪfɪdənt/   adj. 

1. lacking confidence in one's own ability;
   hesitant;
   reserved:
   diffident in saying what he thinks.

dif•fi•dence, n. 

[uncountable] Their diffidence keeps them from making new friends.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dif•fi•dent  (dif′i dənt), adj. 

1. lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness;
   timid;
   shy.
2. restrained or reserved in manner, conduct, etc.
3. [Archaic.] distrustful.

• Latin diffīdent- (stem of diffīdēns mistrusting, despairing present participle of diffīdere), equivalent. to dif- dif- + fīd- trust + -ent- -ent
• late Middle English 1425–75

dif′fi•dent•ly, adv. 
dif′fi•dent•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. self-conscious, self-effacing, abashed, embarrassed, modest, unassuming, unconfident. See shy ¹.