diffidano

Diffidano is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb diffidare, meaning they distrust or they are wary of. The verb diffidare expresses doubt, suspicion, or a lack of trust toward a person, a proposition, a promise, or other information.

Etymology and related forms: Diffidare comes from Latin diffidere, formed with dis- meaning not and fidere meaning to trust. It has related forms in other Romance languages, such as se défier in French and desconfiar in Spanish and Portuguese. In Italian, diffidare is a regular -are verb, with present tense forms including diffido, diffidi, diffide, diffidiamo, diffidate, and diffidano.

Usage and constructions: Diffidare is commonly followed by di to introduce the thing or person distrustful of whom or what is being discussed (diffidare di qualcuno/qualcosa). It can also take phrases like diffidare dal fare qualcosa to warn against or be wary of doing something. The verb can describe personal trust, credibility of statements, or caution regarding sources of information.

Examples:

- I cittadini diffidano delle promesse del governo. (The citizens distrust the government's promises.)

- Alcuni consumatori diffidano di quelle offerte online. (Some consumers distrust those online offers.)

- Diffidano di tutto ciò che si legge sui social. (They distrust everything they read on social media.)

Notes: Diffidare remains more formal or cautious in tone and is commonly found in journalism, opinion writing, and formal speech. Its usage contrasts with fidarsi, which more directly means to trust or to rely on.