diffidence Hear it!

diffidence definition

dif·fi·dence (dif′ə dəns)

noun

lack of confidence in oneself, marked by hesitation in asserting oneself; shyness

Etymology: ME < L diffidentia < diffidens, prp. of diffidere, to distrust < dis-, not + fidere, to trust: see faith

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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