diffidence

[dif-i-duhns]

noun

1. the quality or state of being diffident.

Other Word Forms

• nondiffidence 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

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on New York Times

“It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions.”

Read more on Seattle Times

One video shows the two cats at their first meeting exhibiting mutual curiosity and typical feline diffidence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times