diffidence

[ dif-i-duhns ]

noun

Origin of diffidence

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

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 | THE 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 | THE 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

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