diffidence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “diffidence” mean?
Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
A reserved, hesitant, or unassertive manner stemming from an acute awareness of one's limitations or from a fear of being judged unfavourably.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used with comparable formality in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply a certain praiseworthy lack of arrogance, but more often it denotes a problematic lack of assertiveness.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly more common in formal British writing.
Grammar
How to Use “diffidence” in a Sentence
with + diffidencedue to + diffidenceovercome + [possessive] + diffidenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diffidence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He diffidently offered his opinion.
- She diffidently approached the podium.
American English
- He diffidently offered his opinion.
- She diffidently approached the podium.
adverb
British English
- He spoke diffidently about his achievements.
- She knocked diffidently on the oak door.
American English
- He answered diffidently, unsure of his welcome.
- She raised her hand diffidently.
adjective
British English
- His diffident manner hid a sharp intellect.
- A diffident young man stood at the door.
American English
- Her diffident demeanor was mistaken for coldness.
- He gave a diffident smile.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a management style or a candidate's performance in interviews, e.g., 'His technical skill was undermined by a noticeable diffidence in client meetings.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, psychology, and social sciences to analyse character or behaviour.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used to formally describe someone's character.
Technical
Not a technical term, but appears in psychological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diffidence”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diffidence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diffidence”
- Using it as an adjective (correct adjective is 'diffident').
- Confusing it with 'indifference'.
- Using it in a countable way (e.g., 'a diffidence').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a noun. The related adjective is 'diffident' and the adverb is 'diffidently'.
It is context-dependent. It can be seen as a negative (a lack of necessary confidence) or a positive/modest trait (praiseworthy humility). More often, it describes a hindrance.
'Diffidence' is more formal and specifically implies a lack of self-confidence leading to hesitation. 'Shyness' is more general and can stem from personality, not solely self-doubt.
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'The diffidence of the research team was evident in their tentative proposal.'
Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
Diffidence is usually formal in register.
Diffidence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪf.ɪ.dəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪf.ə.dəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly with the noun 'diffidence']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIFFerence + conFIDENCE' = The DIFFerence in someone who lacks conFIDENCE is their DIFFIDENCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFIDENCE IS A BARRIER (to communication/success). DIFFIDENCE IS A BURDEN (one carries).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'diffidence' in the sentence: 'Her diffidence prevented her from applying for the promotion.'?