diffidence
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- nondiffidence noun
Etymology
Origin of diffidence
First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English, from Latin diffīdentia “mistrust, want of confidence”; diffident, -ence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Cuomo campaign is the candidate’s diffidence about his time as governor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025
Dwane Walcott’s “Mitch,” as he is known to friends, has a diffidence that in Blanche’s eyes makes him seem almost gentlemanly among Stanley’s boorish friends.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2025
"He brings the sweetness and floppiness of early career Hugh Grant, but relies less on cringey posh diffidence and more on a sweet theatricality," she wrote.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024
“It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions.”
From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2023
Agravaine entered the conversation with his imitation of diffidence.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
