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 adress. W. Irving.

Syn. -- Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness.

 

© Webster 1913.

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