What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diffident
Example
She was diffident about speaking up in the meeting. [diffident: adjective]
Example
His diffidence made it difficult for him to make friends. [diffidence: noun]
reticent
Example
He was reticent about discussing his personal life. [reticent: adjective]
Example
Her reticence made it hard for others to get to know her. [reticence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reticent is more commonly used than diffident in everyday language. Reticent is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while diffident is less common and may be seen as more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diffident and reticent?
Both diffident and reticent are considered formal words and may be more appropriate in written or academic contexts. However, reticent is more versatile and can also be used in informal speech.
