Dif″fi‐dence (?), n. [L. diffidentia.] 1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others.
That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. Donne.
2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.
It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence. Macaulay.
An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of address. W. Irving.
Syn. — Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness.