How to pronounce diffident
Say it like DIF-ih-dunt. Diffident has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diffident. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIF
- ih
- dunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diffident pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- duntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diffident
American and British speakers say diffident in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪfɪdənt/ in the US and /ˈdɪfɪdənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIF-ih-dunt.
What does diffident mean?
- Lacking self-confidence; timid; modest
Where does diffident come from?
From Latin diffīdentem, present participle of diffīdere (“to mistrust”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying diffident
How do you pronounce diffident?
Say DIF-ih-dunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪfɪdənt/. In British English it is /ˈdɪfɪdənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diffident?
Diffident has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIF). Broken into parts: DIF · ih · dunt.
Do Americans and Brits say diffident the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪfɪdənt/ and the British form is /ˈdɪfɪdənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.