diffidence

[ dif-i-duhns ]

Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

Late Middle English; Latin from Latin diffident- ‘failing in trust’, from the verb diffidere, from dis- (expressing reversal) + fidere ‘to trust’

Synonyms

bashful
demure
meek
self-conscious
self-deprecating
sheepish
timid
unassuming

Antonyms

aggressive
bold
brave
confident
extroverted

Definition

modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence

Example

Lacy's diffidence caused her to eat lunch alone in the bathroom on her first day at a new school.

Usage Over Time

#uncommon

Usage Over Time

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effusive

[ ih-fyoo-siv ]

unduly demonstrative; lacking reserve

gusto

[ guhs-toh ]

hearty or keen enjoyment, as in eating or drinking, or in action or speech in general

furtive

[ fur-tiv ]

characterized by stealth; sly and secretive

maelstrom

[ meyl-struhm ]

a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool.

voracious

[ vaw-rey-shuhs ]

exceedingly eager or avid

gauche

[ gohsh ]

lacking social grace, sensitivity, or acuteness; awkward; crude; tactless

bilk

[ bilk ]

to defraud; cheat

hegemony

[ hi-jem-uh-nee ]

leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others

meunière

[ muhn-yair ]

(of food, especially fish) dipped in flour, sautéed in butter, and sprinkled with lemon juice and chopped parsley