diffident

• Qualifie une personne timide, manquant de confiance en elle ou modeste dans l'évaluation de ses propres capacités.

Describes a person who is shy, lacking self-confidence, or modest in their own abilities.

1. Lacking self-confidenceC1formal

   Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.

   Manquant d'assurance

   • He was diffident about expressing his opinions in the meeting.
   • She felt diffident when speaking in front of a large audience.
   • His diffident nature made him hesitate to apply for the promotion.

   Synonymesbashfulhumbleinsecuremeekmodestreticentself-consciousself-effacingshytimidunassumingwithdrawn

   Antonymesassertiveassuredboldconfidentoutgoingself-assured

2. Reserved or hesitantC1formal

   Showing hesitation or a lack of assertiveness in social situations.

   Timide, réservé

   • The student gave a diffident reply to the teacher's question.
   • Her diffident smile suggested she was unsure of herself.
   • He remained diffident throughout the interview, rarely making eye contact.

   Synonymesmodestreservedretiringself-effacingshytimidunassertive

   Antonymesassertiveaudaciousboldconfidentoutgoing