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be diffident

[bē ˈdɪfɪdənt]
verb phrase
ser tímido; carecer de confiança em si mesmo
1. to lack confidence in oneself; to be shy or modest about one's abilities
He tends to be diffident about his accomplishments.
Ele tende a ser tímido em relação às suas realizações.
2. to show lack of self-assurance or boldness
She was diffident when presenting her ideas to the board.
Ela foi insegura ao apresentar suas ideias à diretoria.
Synonyms
be shybe modestlack confidencebe self-doubtingbe insecurebe uncertain
Antonyms
be confidentbe boldbe assertivebe self-assuredbe arrogant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser tímido; ser inseguro
Common usage in everyday speech
São Paulo
ser tímido; falta de confiança
Standard usage
Portugal
ser tímido; ser acanhado
Common in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

lack confidence in oneself
be unsure of oneself
be self-doubting
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