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Diffidence vs Ostentatious - What's the difference?

diffidence | ostentatious |

As a noun diffidence

is the state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.

As an adjective ostentatious is

of ostentation.

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.

    ostentatious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of ostentation.
  • Intended to attract notice.
  • Of tawdry display; kitsch.
    • Synonyms
    * (tawdry)

    Derived terms

    * ostensible * ostensive

    References

    * * *