diffident

adj

Etymology: From Latin diffīdentem, present participle of diffīdere (“to mistrust”). Doublet of defiant.

1. Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.
2. Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest

   “Having therefore—but hold, as we are diffident of our own abilities, let us here invite a superior power to our assistance.”

   “Emma is spoiled by being the cleverest of her family. At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being able to answer questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident.”