adjective unsure of oneself; shy; demure.The inventor was an unassuming and diffident man who found it difficult to persuade would-be investors.The young substitute teacher addressed the students in a diffident manner. See…

transitive verb to handle and use (a weapon, tool, or the like), esp. with power or control.She’d had plenty of practice, and she knew how to wield a gun.The crowd moved back…

adjective capable of being tolerated or endured; endurable.Conditions were more tolerable in the north during the war because infrastructure remained intact. See the full entry

With the Wordsmyth Vocabulary Center activities, you can study these words, play games with them, and assess your knowledge of their meanings with a quiz. Go to the Vocabulary Center, the words…

noun a condition of anxiety or dread; alarm.She was filled with trepidation, but she finally found the courage to ask for a promotion. See the full entry