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Inconfidence vs Diffidence - What's the difference?

inconfidence | diffidence |

As nouns the difference between inconfidence and diffidence

is that inconfidence is (rare) lack of confidence; mistrust while diffidence is the state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.

inconfidence

English

Noun

(-)
  • (rare) Lack of confidence; mistrust.
  • * 1880 , United States. Office of Indian Affairs, Annual report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs (page 119)
    • When coming first among these Indians in October, 1879, we found, instead of tribal unity and co-operation, schisms, jealousies, inconfidence , dissatisfaction, and pleasure manifested in revolutionary rather than in progressive tendencies.

    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.