diffident

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In “One of Us,” Elizabeth Day’s shrewd novel of political ambition and personal retribution, the unlikely avenger is a diffident British art historian.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

But the overarching tone, across the board, is oddly diffident.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2025

They may share an extreme level of competitiveness but they are very different characters, Newey's diffident nature contrasting with Horner's front-foot aggression.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024

This isn’t to suggest that he was modest or diffident.

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

A provincial schoolteacher of humble origins, unknown to all but a few mathematicians, Kepler was diffident about Tycho’s offer.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan