diffidently
advUK, US /ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt.li/
Etymology From diffident + -ly.
1
In a diffident manner; without confidence in oneself.
- The author too keenly feels that he has no further claims than these, and he therefore most diffidently asks for his work the indulgence of his readers.1856, John Lothrop Motley, The Rise of the Dutch Republic, preface:
- The same evening John Rossitter wrote to the Bishop of Nawaub, and very humbly and diffidently offered himself, his young life, his health and his strength, his talents and energies, his younger son's portion, all that God had given him, for his Master's use;1883, Evelyn Whitaker, Miss Toosey's Mission, page 85:
1 more example
- "May I see you sometimes?" he asked diffidently.1902, Ellen Glasgow, The Voice of the People, page 193:
- Synonyms
- bashfully, hesitantly, humbly, shyly, uncertainly
- Related terms
- diffidence, diffident