Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [dif-i-duh ns]
- /ˈdɪf ɪ dəns/
- /ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [dif-i-duh ns]
- /ˈdɪf ɪ dəns/
Definitions of diffidence word
- noun diffidence the quality or state of being diffident. 1
- noun diffidence Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence. 1
- noun diffidence shyness 1
- noun diffidence lack of confidence in oneself, marked by hesitation in asserting oneself; shyness 0
- noun diffidence The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement. 0
- noun diffidence (Obsolete (No longer in use)) Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of diffidence
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin diffīdentia mistrust, want of confidence. See diffident, -ence
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Diffidence
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
diffidence popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 71% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
diffidence usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for diffidence
noun diffidence
- constraint — A constraint is something that limits or controls what you can do.
- modesty — the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
- hesitation — the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear: His hesitation cost him the championship.
- backwardness — toward the back or rear.
- timidity — lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy.
Antonyms for diffidence
noun diffidence
- arrogance — the quality or state of being arrogant; overbearing pride or self-importance
- boldness — not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
- courage — Courage is the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid.
- pride — Thomas, died 1658, English soldier and regicide.
- certainty — Certainty is the state of being definite or of having no doubts at all about something.
Top questions with diffidence
- what is diffidence?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with d
- Words starting with di
- Words starting with dif
- Words starting with diff
- Words starting with diffi
- Words starting with diffid
- Words starting with diffide
- Words starting with diffiden
- Words starting with diffidenc
- Words starting with diffidence