diffidence

American  

[dif-i-duhns] / ˈdɪf ɪ dəns /

noun

1. the quality or state of being diffident.

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Other Word Forms

• nondiffidence noun

Etymology

Origin of diffidence

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

Example Sentences

Ben Platt wears both his nervous diffidence and his blazing talent on his sleeve.

From Los Angeles Times

That diffidence waned as the laidback island he calls home slowly found its popularity among Western travellers.

From BBC

One of the most frustrating aspects of the Cuomo campaign is the candidate’s diffidence about his time as governor.

From The Wall Street Journal

And Singh's unassuming personality, which once made his every move seem like a revelation, was labelled as showing complacency, diffidence and even arrogance by some.

From BBC

The scene says a lot with a little, hitting comic beats but ending deflatedly thanks to the art dealer’s ruthless reaction to this diffidence.

From New York Times