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      Rich vocabulary associated with shy or uncertain words

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use the words 'diffident', 'hesitant' and 'reticent' effectively in multiple contexts.

      Key learning points

      1. 'Diffident' is an adjective which means modest or shy.
      2. 'Hesitant' is an adjective which means nervous or uncertain.
      3. 'Reticent' is an adjective which means shy and reserved.

      Keywords

      • Noun - a naming word for people, places or things

      • Adjective - a word that describes a noun

      • Synonym - a word that has the same or similar meaning to another word

      • Word pair - words that often appear together

      Common misconception

      These words are very similar and can often be used interchangeably.

      These words have subtle differences in meaning and usage and are used in different contexts; so one can't always be replaced by another.

      Teacher tip

      Some of the synonyms and word pairs will need to be explained. For example, temperament and modest. Ensure pupils understand the meaning of these words.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which image represents the word 'conceited'?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Which image represents the word 'presumptuous'?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Which image represents the word 'unflappable'?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q4.
      Select the correct definition for 'conceited'.

      cool, calm and collected
      overconfident, arrogant or rude
      Correct answer: vain or proud

      Q5.
      Select the correct definition for 'presumptuous'.

      cool, calm and collected
      Correct answer: overconfident, arrogant or rude
      vain or proud

      Q6.
      Select the correct definition of 'unflappable'.

      Correct answer: cool, calm and collected
      overconfident, arrogant or rude
      vain or proud
      Q1 image 1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q1 image 2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q1 image 3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q3 image 1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q3 image 2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q3 image 3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What adjective does this image represent?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: hesitant
      diffident
      reticent

      Q2.
      What adjective does this image represent?

      An image in a quiz
      hesitant
      Correct answer: diffident
      reticent

      Q3.
      Match the word with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:hesitant,nervous or uncertain
      Correct Answer:diffident,modest or shy
      Correct Answer:reticent,shy and reserved

      Q4.
      Which word pair makes sense with 'hesitant'?

      Correct answer: beginner
      stomp
      jelly

      Q5.
      Which word pair makes sense with 'diffident'?

      Correct answer: smile
      teeth
      eyes

      Q6.
      Which word pair makes sense with 'reticent'?

      Correct answer: individual
      park
      building
      Q1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023

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