diffident

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfɪd(ə)nt/

adjective

  • modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence: a diffident youth

Derivatives

diffidently

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'lacking confidence or trust in someone or something'): from Latin diffident- 'failing in trust', from the verb diffidere, from dis- (expressing reversal) + fidere 'to trust'