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/ˈdɪfɪdəns/ · noun
The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement..
"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 the shop a minute.'
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.
And Rick with unwonted diffidence had accepted his exclusion. Now with the same diffidence he came, looking trim and loving and mysteriously humble.
I have no diffidence of your abilities—only be constant to one roguery at a time
[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 [...]
Use diffidence when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Diffidence means The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement..
Common synonyms include self-doubt, self-distrust.
Possible antonyms include confidence.
"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 the shop a minute.'
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