Both Uses of
diffident
in
Cutting for Stone
- But for the first time in seven years, steel had not slapped into his palm the instant his fingers opened; indeed, the diffident tap told him someone other than Sister Mary Joseph Praise stood across from him.†
Part 1 *diffident = hesitant and unassertive
- When his eyes tired, he went diffidently to the infirmary, hoping no one would throw him out.†
Part 4diffidently = with hesitancy and unassertiveness
Definition:
hesitant and unassertive -- often due to a lack of self-confidence