| 释义 |
diffidence|ˈdɪfɪdəns|
[ad. L. diffīdentia want of confidence, mistrust, distrust, f. diffīdent-em, pr. pple. of diffīd-ĕre to distrust: see diffide and -ence. Cf. obs. F. diffidence, -ance, 16–17th c. in Godef.]
(The opposite of confidence n.)
1. Want of confidence or faith; mistrust, distrust, misgiving, doubt. Now rare or Obs.
1526Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 94 Bycause we put diffedence or mistrust in God. 1548Hall Chron., Edw. IV, 208 b, King Edward beyng..in diffidence of reysyng any army..departed. 1595Shakes. John i. i. 65 Thou dost shame thy mother, And wound her honor with this diffidence. 1614Bp. Hall Recoll. Treat. 684 Away with these weake diffidences. 1614T. Jackson Comment. Creede ii. 251 Distrust or diffidence to God's promises. 1641J. Shute Sarah & Hagar (1649) 33 Diffidence in the promise of God. 1649Milton Eikon. xii. (1851) 436 Hee had brought the Parlament into so just a diffidence of him, as that they durst not leave the Public Armes at his disposal. 1712Pope Let. to Steele 15 July, Sickness..teaches us a diffidence in our earthly state. 1741Richardson Pamela (1742) IV. 271 Since that Time, I have always had some Diffidences about her. 1818Jas. Mill Brit. India II. v. v. 549 A diffidence..of his judgment or his virtue. 1823Lingard Hist. Eng. VI. 65 His former refusal..proceeded..from diffidence in the sincerity of his ally. 1838Emerson Addr., Lit. Ethics Wks. (Bohn) II. 206 The diffidence of mankind in the soul has crept over the American mind.
2. Distrust of oneself; want of confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; modesty, shyness of disposition.
[1651Hobbes Leviath. i. vi. 25 Constant Despayre, Diffidence of our selves. a1683Sidney Disc. Govt. iii. §40 (1704) 394 Every one ought to enter into a just diffidence of himself.] 1709Pope Ess. Crit. 567 Speak, tho' sure, with seeming diffidence. 1798Ferriar Illustr. Sterne i. 12 The diffidence of Erasmus prevented him from assuming that title. 1841Macaulay Ess., W. Hastings (1854) 646/1 With great diffidence, we give it as our opinion. 1862Trollope Orley F. xxxii. (ed. 4) 229 She had aid aside whatever diffidence may have afflicted her earlier years, and now was able to speak out her mind. |