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

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.

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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.

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

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

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Eventually, Hilary’s boss, Mr. Ellis — played with characteristic diffidence by Colin Firth — arrives, stiffly giving her a box of candy “with deep affection.”

Read more on Washington Post