diffidence

[ dif-i-duhns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being diffident.

Other Words From

• non·diffi·dence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffidence¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English, from Latin diffīdentia “mistrust, want of confidence”; diffident, -ence

Example Sentences

Obama can exhibit strains of personal diffidence, even condescension, toward people, especially critics.

From The Daily Beast

Matthew, like your co-star Hugh Grant in this movie, possesses a kind of debonair diffidence.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Addison, whose abilities no man can doubt, was from diffidence totally unable to speak in the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Such as this translation is I offer it with diffidence, realising that I have undertaken a difficult task.

From Project Gutenberg

There came a little bubble of laughter from Peggy, which seemed to remove all diffidence from Collingwood.

From Project Gutenberg

For a time I attributed your reserve to diffidence, and trusted that time and my efforts would dissipate it.

From Project Gutenberg

With a slight protest of diffidence, the Doctor unfolded the paper, scanned the page for an instant, and began slowly.

From Project Gutenberg