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Shy duke, if reflecting on depression (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

diffident

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'shy' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'duke if reflecting on depression' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'duke' could be 'd' (abbreviation) and 'd' is present in the answer.
'if' is found in the answer.
'depression' could be 'dent' (synonyms) and 'dent' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for diffident that I've seen before include "Lacking self-confidence" , "Bashful" , "Shy" , "Timid" , "Reluctant to come forward" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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