Get Affordable VMs - excellent virtual server hosting


browse words by letter
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
diffidence

more about diffidence

diffidence


  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  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}. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  diffidence 
  n  :  lack  of  self-confidence  [syn:  {self-doubt},  {self-distrust}] 
  [ant:  {confidence}] 




more about diffidence