Meaning of Diffidence:

Diffidence is a noun that refers to a lack of self-confidence or shyness. It is characterized by a feeling of being unsure of oneself and often leads to hesitation or reluctance in expressing one's opinions or abilities.

Explanation:

Diffidence is often associated with feelings of insecurity and a lack of belief in one's own capabilities. It is the opposite of confidence and can manifest in various aspects of one's life, such as social interactions, public speaking, or decision-making. People who are diffident may frequently doubt themselves and their abilities, leading to a hesitancy to take risks or assert themselves.

Example:

For example, a diffident person may feel uncomfortable speaking up in a group setting because they fear judgment or ridicule. They may avoid participating in activities or projects that require them to take a leadership role or make decisions. Instead, they may prefer to stay in the background or defer to others.

Diffidence vs. Other Options:

- a) Discourage: Discourage means to dissuade or demotivate someone from taking a particular action. It is not directly related to the lack of self-confidence or shyness that diffidence implies.

- b) Humility: Humility is a quality that involves recognizing and acknowledging one's own limitations and shortcomings. While there may be some overlap between humility and diffidence, they are not synonymous. Diffidence is more about a lack of self-assurance, while humility is about a modest and respectful view of oneself.

- c) Harmful: Harmful means causing or capable of causing harm or damage. It is not directly related to diffidence, which is more about a lack of confidence rather than causing harm.

- d) Defection: Defection refers to the act of abandoning or deserting one's allegiance or loyalty, especially in a political or ideological context. It is unrelated to diffidence and does not convey the same meaning.