Diffidence DIFFIDENCE, n. [L., to trust. See Faith.] 1. Distrust;
want of confidence; any doubt of the power, ability or disposition
of others. It is said there was a general diffidence of the strength
and resources of the nation, and of the sincerity of the king.
2. More generally, distrust of ones self; want of confidence in our
own power, competency, correctness or wisdom; a doubt respecting some
personal qualification. We speak or write with diffidence, when we
doubt our ability to speak or write correctly or to the satisfaction
of others. The effect of diffidence is some degree of reserve, modesty,
timidity or bashfulness. Hence, 3. Modest reserve; a moderate degree
of timidity or bashfulness; as, he addressed the audience or the prince
with diffidence.
Diffidence \Dif"fi*dence\, n. [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. --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. --Macaulay.
An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness
of address. --W. Irving.
Syn: Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear;
timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and
Bashfulness.
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