diffidence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The first, from about 1950, is a study in diffidence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
Ben Platt wears both his nervous diffidence and his blazing talent on his sleeve.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
“It is probably this diffidence that has made it difficult to make progress on solutions.”
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 23, 2023
If there is a leitmotif linking Ms. Kitto’s oral histories, it takes the form of tales illustrating either Mr. Penn’s generosity of spirit or a stubborn diffidence that strikes with the force of a blow.
From New York Times ● Oct. 21, 2021
Invariably, it took Ben and Mary Anne months before they could overcome their native diffidence, which actually was an obstinate refusal to make themselves vulnerable.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Vocabulary lists containing diffidence
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The Diary of a Young Girl
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