Literary notes about Diffident (AI summary)
Literary works frequently use "diffident" to depict characters who are subtly reserved and self-conscious, often caught between shyness and latent strength. In some narratives, the term highlights an inner hesitation that prevents a character from expressing their full potential, as seen in the portrayal of genteel youth whose amiability is countered by a lack of self-confidence [1, 2]. Authors also employ "diffident" to capture moments of hesitant politeness or uncertainty in social interactions—for instance, a modest request delivered with an appeal for encouragement [3] or a glance imbued with bashfulness [4]. Whether describing a reticent personality who wields surprising influence [5] or a person whose guarded nature reflects deeper introspection [6, 7], "diffident" serves as a versatile term that enriches character studies in literature by emphasizing internal conflict and understated reserve.
- He gives me the idea of a very amiable young man, only too diffident to be so agreeable as he might be.
— from The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen - He’s the kind of diffident youth who would have to be very sure before he ventured an opinion at all.”
— from The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie - As though his days were quite free, he obligingly agreed to my diffident request.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - Then he glanced up with a diffident smile: “I’ve often been wanting to come and see you.”
— from Clayhanger by Arnold Bennett - Every time their eyes met, I saw more and more what a tremendous power that weak, diffident school-girl could wield if she chose to do it.
— from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain - My memory of past errors and perplexities, makes me diffident for the future.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - I was a good deal surprised at this, but I was diffident about speaking up and reminding them.
— from Extract from Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven by Mark Twain
