diffidence
[dif-i-duh ns]
noun
the quality or state of being diffident.
Origin of diffidence
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for diffidence
constraint, modesty, hesitation, backwardness, timidity, insecurity, meekness, reluctance, shyness, doubt, humility, fear, timidness, reserveExamples from the Web for diffidence
Historical Examples of diffidence
The youth sat down as directed, but reluctantly and with diffidence.
The White CompanyArthur Conan Doyle
At this point Wanhope hesitated with a kind of diffidence that was rather charming in him.
Questionable ShapesWilliam Dean Howells
Mr. Cruncher, with some diffidence, explained himself as meaning "Old Nick's."
A Tale of Two CitiesCharles Dickens
His manner betrayed a curious mixture of diffidence and assurance.
The AvengerE. Phillips Oppenheim
The diffidence of his tone proved startling to her by virtue of its unusualness.
Mistress WildingRafael Sabatini
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper