Definition of diffidence
: the quality or state of being unassertive or bashful : the quality or state of being diffident
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Recent Examples of diffidence from the Web
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To him, my diffidence may as well be a foreign language.
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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.
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His diffidence blends well with his shambling characterization and Ford’s unhurried tempo.
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But the government’s blatant bias during the campaign was at odds with this apparent diffidence.
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But in an administration where diffidence can be as contemptible as disloyalty, Tillerson’s retiring leadership style threatens to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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But Ross’s own diffidence and her belief in collaboration also kept her work in the shadows.
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Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, too, seemed baffled by Comey's diffidence.
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Ron’s diffidence, a trait both touching and laugh-inducing, is the antithesis of Ethan’s pizzazz, while Aquino shows that the forceful, even intimidating Deborah obviously was Alice’s role model.
These 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.
Origin and Etymology of diffidence
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See words that rhyme with diffidence Spanish Central: Translation of diffidence Nglish: Translation of diffidence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of diffidence for Arabic speakers
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