SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
diffidence
noun
Lack of confidence that produces hesitation or restraint.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
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A useful distinction
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Lack of confidence that produces hesitation or restraint
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
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RELATED FORMS, ONE FEATURED ENTRY
The diffident family
diffidence is grouped under diffident in the main dictionaries. This form keeps its meaning and previous study record.
diffidentadjective
Lacking confidence in one's own abilities or position.
Lacking confidence in one's own abilities or position
Closest synonyms
Related expressions
The diffident apprentice spoke so softly that the foreman leaned closer.
She was diffident in company but decisive at her workbench.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See diffidence in use
Her diffidence concealed considerable expertise.
He overcame his diffidence long enough to ask the crucial question.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license