diffidence
English
Etymology
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(deprecated template usage) From Latin diffīdentiam (“distrust”), from diffīdere (“to mistrust”), from dis- and fīdere (“to trust”). Attested since ∼1400. The original sense was antonymous with confidence, and the modern sense of ‘distrusting oneself’ dates from the 1650s.[1]
Pronunciation
Noun
diffidence (countable and uncountable, plural diffidences)
- The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.
- 1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume I, chapter 15:
- Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.
- 1857, Brigham Young, Journal of Discources, Attention and Reflection Necessary to An Increase of Knowledge, etc.
- 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.
- 1897, José María de Pereda, translated by William Henry Bishop, Cleto's Proposal to Sotileza (an excerpt from Sotileza)
- "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.'
- 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:
- And Rick with unwonted diffidence had accepted his exclusion. Now with the same diffidence he came, looking trim and loving and mysteriously humble.
- (obsolete) Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.
- 1591, William Shakespeare, Henry VI part I, act 3 scene 3
- [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.
- 1591, William Shakespeare, Henry VI part I, act 3 scene 3
Related terms
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Translations
The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement
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References
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “diffidence”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.