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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