diffidence
noun
, -fə-ˌden(t)s\
Definition of diffidence
Examples of diffidence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The general principle would seem to apply: Prosecutors are supposed to consider the impact of their actions on significant events outside the criminal-justice system, and to act with due diffidence. — Michael B. Mukasey, WSJ, "The Russia Indictments: Why Now?," 16 July 2018 Thomas’s gentle diffidence, and his director’s fiercely rigorous style, leave his motives denser than unproved sourdough. — Ofir Raul Graizer, New York Times, "Review: A German ‘Cakemaker’ and an Israeli Widow Share Loss and Cookies," 28 June 2018 The failure of Jimmy Carter’s one term in office (the product of a combination of his own shortcomings, congressional diffidence, and energy shocks engineered by OPEC) became a central theme of Republican messaging for decades. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Poll: Barack Obama Was the Greatest President of Our Lifetime," 11 July 2018 Truthful to Julie's pre-feminist heart, Mueller adopts a tender diffidence. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, "What 'My Fair Lady' and 'Carousel' bring to Broadway that 'Mean Girls' does not," 17 May 2018 To him, my diffidence may as well be a foreign language. — Annie Tritt, Vox, "I photograph trans and nonbinary kids. It’s made me rethink my own gender.," 28 Mar. 2018 The decision to sack Rex Tillerson on Tuesday morning, without telling him face-to-face, is -- as of this hour -- the most glaring example of Trump's sudden-onset diffidence. — Gregory Krieg, CNN, "Trump's new tagline: 'You were fired! A few hours ago'," 13 Mar. 2018 His diffidence blends well with his shambling characterization and Ford’s unhurried tempo. — J. Hoberman, New York Times, "Mr. Lincoln Goes to Hollywood (and Looks Like Henry Fonda)," 26 Jan. 2018 But the government’s blatant bias during the campaign was at odds with this apparent diffidence. — The Economist, "Apparatchik ascendantKyrgyzstan holds an election that was not a foregone conclusion," 18 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diffidence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on diffidence
What made you want to look up diffidence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words for Summer: A Quiz
-
- Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
-
Words for Summer: A Quiz
Test your knowledge of words related to the season of longer days and vacations.
Take the quiz -
Finance Words Quiz
Take the quiz
-
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share diffidence
Resources for diffidence