To stand diffidently against each other with their thoughts in battle array. --Hobbes. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
diffidently — adverb /ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt.li/ In a diffident manner; without confidence in oneself. The author too keenly feels that he has no further claims than these, and he therefore most diffidently asks for his work the indulgence of his readers. Syn: bashfully … Wiktionary
diffidently — diffident ► ADJECTIVE ▪ lacking in self confidence. DERIVATIVES diffidence noun diffidently adverb. ORIGIN Latin, from diffidere fail to trust … English terms dictionary
diffidently — adverb in a diffident manner (Freq. 1) Oh, well, he shrugged diffidently, I like the work. • Derived from adjective: ↑diffident … Useful english dictionary
diffidently — adverb see diffident … New Collegiate Dictionary
diffidently — See diffident. * * * … Universalium
diffidently — adv. shyly, timidly, unassertively … English contemporary dictionary
diffidently — dif·fi·dent·ly … English syllables
diffident — diffidently, adv. diffidentness, n. /dif i deuhnt/, 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. [1425 75; late ME < L diffident (s. of … Universalium
diffident — [[t]dɪ̱fɪdənt[/t]] ADJ GRADED Someone who is diffident is rather shy and does not enjoy talking about themselves or being noticed by other people. John was as bouncy and ebullient as Helen was diffident and reserved. Derived words: diffidence… … English dictionary
diffident — adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin diffident , diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis + fidere to trust more at bide Date: 15th century 1. hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self confidence 2 … New Collegiate Dictionary
