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diffidence

   Also found in: Legal 0.03 sec.
dif·fi·dence  (df-dns, -dns)
n.
The quality or state of being diffident; timidity or shyness.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.diffidence - lack of self-confidence
self-distrust, self-doubt
timidity, timidness, timorousness - fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions
hesitance, hesitancy - a feeling of diffidence and indecision about doing something
unassertiveness - diffidence about self promotion
confidence - a feeling of trust (in someone or something); "I have confidence in our team"; "confidence is always borrowed, never owned"
diffidence
Translations
diffidence [ˈdɪfɪdəns] N → inseguridad f, falta f de confianza en sí mismo
diffidence [ˈdɪfɪdəns] n → manque m d'assurance
diffidence
n → Bescheidenheit f, → Zurückhaltung f; (of smile) → Zaghaftigkeit f
diffidence [ˈdɪfɪd/əns] n → riservatezza
diffidence [ˈdɪfɪd/əns] n → riservatezza


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Well, hardening my heart, and putting my diffidence into my ragged pocket, I approached Peter Petrovitch, and halted before him more dead than alive.
Poor Folk by Dostoyevsky, Fyodor View in context
I had, however, the less diffidence in that it would have a technical interest for her, being indeed no other than a song of cycling a deux which had been suggested by one of those alarmist danger-posts always placed at the top of the pleasantest hills, sternly warning the cyclist that "this hill is dangerous,"--just as in life there is always some minatory notice-board frowning upon us in the direction we most desire to take.
The Quest of the Golden Girl by le Gallienne, Richard View in context
That is an emotion in which tenderness is an essential part, but Strickland had no tenderness either for himself or for others; there is in love a sense of weakness, a desire to protect, an eagerness to do good and to give pleasure -- if not unselfishness, at all events a selfishness which marvellously conceals itself; it has in it a certain diffidence.
Moon and Sixpence by Maugham, W. Somerset View in context
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