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 her ability to speak in public. [diffident: adjective]
Example
He approached the group with diffidence, unsure of how he would be received. [diffidence: noun]
shy
Example
She was too shy to ask for help. [shy: adjective]
Example
He felt shy around new people and often avoided social events. [shyness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shy is more commonly used than diffident in everyday language. Shy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while diffident is less common and is typically used in more formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between diffident and shy?
Diffident is more formal than shy. It is often used in academic or professional writing to describe a person's lack of confidence or hesitancy in a particular situation. Shy, on the other hand, is more informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a person's personality trait or behavior.
