diffidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'diffidence' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that describes a feeling of shyness and lack of confidence. For example: Jake was overcome with diffidence when he was suddenly asked to speak in front of a large audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The injury done alike to the North, to the South, and to the world, is so irremediable, the consequences of the act may be so vast, and are certainly so numerous, that it is with some diffidence we attempt to point out the extent of the American loss, and the result that loss may produce.The greatness of the American loss seems to us to consist especially in this.

The Economist

His only desire was for a political system in which he could do the only job that he felt truly qualified to do.But events brushed such diffidence aside.

The Economist

"Why be a honcho for Rossi and Son?" Mr Andrew asks.Such individualism and diffidence towards outsiders hinders co-operation and consolidation.

The Economist

"That's the politicians' job, not mine," he says.Who's the bossSuch diffidence dates back a long time.

The Economist

Yet he may fail nonetheless, in part because of the regrettable diffidence of his European peers, but mainly because of how toxic his past grandstanding has made him in their eyes.

The Economist

And even if its GDP overtakes America's by the end of the decade, China will remain as poor as Brazil or Poland are today, by one estimate.Hubris may be less of a danger than its opposite, a kind of economic diffidence.

The Economist

But the army's diffidence is increasingly being taken as evidence that, despite Mr Musharraf's protestations to the contrary, Pakistan never abandoned its policy of harbouring terrorists at home and sponsoring them abroad.

The Economist

ReprintsSuch diffidence may keep him out of jail.

The Economist

His main defence was a venerable old man called Zdenek Urbanek (author of the country's best translation of "Hamlet", but disgraced after 1968), whose stately good manners and quavering English could deter even the pushiest television crews.But events brushed diffidence aside.

The Economist

Mr Gandhi should make a virtue of his diffidence by stepping back from politics and promoting modernisers to the fore.

The Economist

This was followed by a rather winning, very professorial, job interview with himself, in which he came over as a man whose pride in what he had achieved in New Mexico simply could not mask a deeply ingrained habit of diffidence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diffidence" to accurately describe a state of shyness or a lack of confidence, especially when discussing someone's behavior or attitude in social or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "diffidence" when you mean "deference". "Diffidence" means shyness or lack of confidence, while "deference" means respect and submission to another's authority or wishes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diffidence" is as a noun. It names a state or quality of being shy or lacking in self-confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is valid and commonly found in diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "diffidence" is a noun used to describe a state of shyness or lack of self-confidence. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it's a correct and usable term in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When using "diffidence", ensure you are accurately conveying a lack of confidence, and avoid confusing it with similar words like "deference". Alternatives include "shyness" and "lack of confidence". By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate nuances in describing someone's behavior or emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of confidence

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance.

self-doubt

Highlights the internal questioning of one's abilities.

shyness

Emphasizes the social discomfort and timidity.

reticence

Implies a reluctance to speak or express oneself.

hesitancy

Suggests a pause or delay due to uncertainty.

timidity

Highlights a lack of courage or assertiveness.

self-effacement

Focuses on downplaying one's own importance.

bashfulness

Implies a state of being uncomfortably shy or modest.

underconfidence

Directly indicates a lower level of confidence than warranted.

insecurity

Highlights the underlying feelings of inadequacy.

FAQs

How can I use "diffidence" in a sentence?

"Diffidence" is used to describe a state of being shy or lacking confidence. For example, "His "diffidence" prevented him from speaking up in meetings".

What are some synonyms for "diffidence"?

Alternatives to "diffidence" include "shyness", "reticence", and "lack of confidence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone has "diffidence"?

Yes, it's correct to say someone has "diffidence". It means they possess the quality of being diffident, or lacking in self-confidence.

What is the difference between "diffidence" and "deference"?

"Diffidence" refers to shyness or a lack of self-assurance, while "deference" implies respect and submission to someone else. They are not interchangeable.