What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Diffident vs Deference - What's the difference?

diffident | deference |

As an adjective diffident

is (archaic): lacking confidence in others; distrustful.

As a noun deference is

deference.

diffident

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (archaic): Lacking confidence in others; distrustful.
  • Lacking confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.
  • *
    • Having therefore—but hold, as we are diffident of our own abilities, let us here invite a superior power to our assistance.
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=1960 , author= , title=(Jeeves in the Offing) , section=chapter VIII , passage=At an early point in these exchanges I had started to sidle to the door, and I now sidled through it, rather like a diffident crab on some sandy beach trying to avoid the attentions of a child with a spade.}}

    deference

    English

    Noun

  • Great respect.
    • The children treated their elders with deference .
  • The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.
    • By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.

    Synonyms

    * honor * respect