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Diffidence vs Distrust - What's the difference?

diffidence | distrust | Synonyms |

Diffidence is a synonym of distrust.


As nouns the difference between diffidence and distrust

is that diffidence is the state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement while distrust is lack of trust or confidence.

As a verb distrust is

to put no trust in; to have no confidence in.

diffidence

English

Noun

(-)
  • The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.
  • * 1857 , Brigham Young, Journal of Discources'', ''
  • I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can.
  • * 1897 , '' (an excerpt from ''Sotileza )
  • "I was passing by," he began to stammer, trembling with his diffidence , "I—happened to be passing along this way, and so—er—as I was passing this way, I says to myself, says I, 'I'll just stop into the shop a minute.'
  • (obsolete) Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.
  • * 1591 , William Shakespeare, , act 3 scene 3
  • [Charles, King of France]: We have been guided by thee hitherto,
    And of thy cunning had no diffidence :
    One sudden foil shall never breed distrust.

    distrust

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Lack of trust or confidence.
  • Synonyms

    * *

    Derived terms

    * distrustful

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To put no trust in; to have no confidence in.
  • Derived terms

    * distruster