diffidence

[ dif-i-duhns ]

/ ˈdɪf ɪ dəns /

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noun

the quality or state of being diffident.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

Origin of diffidence

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

non·dif·fi·dence, noun

Obama can exhibit strains of personal diffidence, even condescension, toward people, especially critics.
Team Obama ‘Ecstatic,’ but Expects Only Modest Debate Bounce|James Warren|October 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Matthew, like your co-star Hugh Grant in this movie, possesses a kind of debonair diffidence.
Sarah Jessica Parker on Surrogacy and Cursing|Kevin Sessums|December 16, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Mr. Addison, whose abilities no man can doubt, was from diffidence totally unable to speak in the house.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
Such as this translation is I offer it with diffidence, realising that I have undertaken a difficult task.
Honey-Bee|Anatole France

There came a little bubble of laughter from Peggy, which seemed to remove all diffidence from Collingwood.
A Butterfly on the Wheel|Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
For a time I attributed your reserve to diffidence, and trusted that time and my efforts would dissipate it.
Alone|Marion Harland
With a slight protest of diffidence, the Doctor unfolded the paper, scanned the page for an instant, and began slowly.
Molly Make-Believe|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott