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.

Humility vs Diffidence - What's the difference?

humility | diffidence | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between humility and diffidence

is that humility is the characteristic of being humble; humbleness in character and behavior while diffidence is the state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.

humility

English

(wikipedia humility)

Noun

  • The characteristic of being humble; humbleness in character and behavior.

    • Usage notes

    * Commonly used to mean “modesty, lack of pride” (with respect to one’s achievements), and in formal religious contexts to refer to a transcendent egolessness.

    Synonyms

    * egolessness, humilitude, meekness, modesty, self-effacement

    Antonyms

    * pride

    Related terms

    * humble * humiliate * humiliation * humus

    External links

    *

    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.