n. [ L. diffidentia. ] 1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ] That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness. [ 1913 Webster ] It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 