diffidence
/ˈdɪfɪd(ə)ns
/noun [mass noun]
Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence: I say this with some diffidence...
- If there was a little hesitation and diffidence as the games began, it soon vanished without a trace, for even the kids who seemed shy, lost their self-consciousness and joined wholeheartedly in the activities.
- It is with diffidence and humility that I greet the ultimate constitutional power in the Republic, the Presidential electors.
- After the initial period of diffidence and hesitation, the young ones got along quite well with one another, and became totally absorbed in the proceedings.
Synonyms
shyness, bashfulness, unassertiveness, modesty, modestness, self-effacement, humility, humbleness, meekness, timidity, timidness, timorousness, reserve, reticence, introversion;
insecurity, self-doubt, apprehension, uncertainty, hesitancy, nervousness, reluctance, restraint, inhibition, unease, uneasiness;
self-consciousness, shame, embarrassment, sheepishness