diffidence
the quality or state of being diffident.
Origin of diffidence
1Other words from diffidence
- non·dif·fi·dence, noun
Words Nearby diffidence
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use diffidence in a sentence
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 BEASTMatthew, like your co-star Hugh Grant in this movie, possesses a kind of debonair diffidence.
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; | VariousSuch as this translation is I offer it with diffidence, realising that I have undertaken a difficult task.
Honey-Bee | Anatole FranceThere 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 HarlandWith 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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