diffidence
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (1)
- lack of self-confidenceSynonyms: self-doubtself-distrustOpposite confidenceType of timidity, timidnessKinds hesitance, unassertiveness
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Dif′fi·dence noun
Origin: L. diffidentia.
1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others. archaic
That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy.— John Donne
2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.
It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence.— Thomas Babington Macaulay
An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of address.— Washington Irving
Synonyms: Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54