diffidence

noun

dif·​fi·​dence ˈdi-fə-dən(t)s How to pronounce diffidence (audio)
-fə-ˌden(t)s
: the quality or state of being unassertive or bashful : the quality or state of being diffident

Examples of diffidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At its best, the uncomfortably intimate aesthetic of the films combined with the general diffidence at their heart attempted to epitomize a generational temperament and linguistic sensibility. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024 Over the last few decades, several U.S. administrations have prioritized the relationship with India despite considerable diffidence on the part of New Delhi. Sumit Ganguly, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023 Weaver brings a deceptive diffidence to Shelly, and Coleman is suitably enigmatic as V. Stiviano, a paragon of modern fameosexual ambition. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 3 June 2024 Norman Mailer wrote with an unstable mixture of self-indulgence and self-awareness, bravado and diffidence, glibness and bracing honesty, macho posturing and an almost sheepish gentleness. Andrew Delbanco, The New York Review of Books, 28 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diffidence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dyffidence, borrowed from Latin diffīdentia, from diffīdent-, diffīdens "distrustful, diffident" + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diffidence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near diffidence

Cite this Entry

“Diffidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffidence. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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