Meaning & use
diffidence
A lack of self-confidence that causes shyness or hesitation to act or speak.
See it in a sentence
His diffidence kept him from raising his hand even when he knew the answer.
She spoke with unusual diffidence during the interview, unsure of her own achievements.
A note on using this word
Diffidence is a formal word; in everyday speech, people more often say 'shyness' or 'insecurity.'
Words with a similar meaning
shynesstimidityhesitancy
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
confidenceboldness
Make it your own
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