i Register
In some senses, diffidence is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
diffidence
/ˈdɪfɪdəns/
noun 2
Collocations
3ADJ.
apparent, same, trembling
DIFFIDENCE + NOUN
elton, feelings, mr
PREP.
in, with, without
Definitions
noun
1
The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.
Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.
I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can.
2
Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.
[Charles, King of France]: We have been guided by thee hitherto, And of thy cunning had no diffidence: One sudden foil shall never breed distrust.
[...] [H]ee had brought the Parliment into ſo juſt a diffidence of him, as that they durſt not leave the Public Armes to his diſpoſal [...]
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — lack of self-confidence
- self-doubt
- self-distrust
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
301
Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.
Wiktionary02
I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can.
Wiktionary03
"I was passing by," he began to stammer, trembling with his diffidence, "I—happened to be passing along this way, and so—er—as I was passing this way, I says to myself, says I, 'I'll just stop into th
WiktionaryUsage Notes
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