diffidence

/'difidəns/

Thân thiện

She spoke with diffidence during the class presentation.

Definition

Noun: - Lack of self-confidence: A feeling of modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of confidence in one's own abilities, opinions, or worth; a hesitant or reserved manner.

Usage

"Diffidence" describes a state of being, not an action. It is used to characterize a person's general demeanor or a specific instance of hesitant behavior. It often implies a quiet, unassuming, or overly modest nature that may prevent someone from speaking or acting assertively.

Examples

• Her diffidence prevented her from speaking up during the important meeting, even though she had excellent ideas.
• He accepted the award with characteristic diffidence, downplaying his own role in the project's success.
• Overcoming his initial diffidence, he finally introduced himself to the group.

Advanced Usage

• "With diffidence": As an adverbial phrase meaning "in a hesitant or modest manner."
  • She offered her suggestion with some diffidence, unsure if it would be welcome.
• "A certain diffidence": Used to indicate a noticeable but not overwhelming degree of shyness or reserve.
  • Despite his expertise, there was a certain diffidence in his teaching style.

Variants and Related Words

• Diffident (adjective): Modest or shy due to a lack of self-confidence.
  • He was too diffident to ask for a promotion.
• Diffidently (adverb): In a manner that shows a lack of self-confidence.
  • She spoke diffidently about her achievements.

Synonyms

• Timidity: Lack of courage or confidence.
• Bashfulness: Reluctance to draw attention to oneself.
• Hesitancy: The quality of being unsure or slow to act or speak.
• Self-doubt: Lack of confidence in oneself and one's abilities.

Antonyms

• Confidence: A feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities.
• Boldness: Willingness to take risks and act innovatively.
• Assertiveness: Confident and forceful behavior.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Suffer from diffidence": To be chronically or noticeably affected by a lack of confidence.
  • As a young lawyer, she suffered from a diffidence that she later overcame.
• "An air of diffidence": A noticeable impression of shyness or modesty.
  • He had an air of diffidence that made him seem more approachable.

Học thuật

Noun

1. lack of self-confidence

Từ đồng nghĩa

• self-doubt
• self-distrust