diffidence

Etymology

From Latin diffīdentiam (“distrust”), from diffīdere (“to mistrust”), from dis- and fīdere (“to trust”). Attested since ∼1400. The original sense was antonymous with confidence, and the modern sense of ‘distrusting oneself’ dates from the 1650s.

noun

1. The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.
   Without scruple—without apology—without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover. 1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume I, chapter 15
   I have the same diffidence in my feelings that most public speakers have, and am apt to think that others can speak better and more edifying than I can. 1857, Brigham Young, Journal of Discources: Attention and Reflection Necessary to An Increase of Knowledge, etc.
   "I was passing by," he began to stammer, trembling with his diffidence, "I—happened to be passing along this way, and so—er—as I was passing this way, I says to myself, says I, 'I'll just stop into the shop a minute.' 1897, José María de Pereda, translated by William Henry Bishop, Cleto's Proposal to Sotileza (an excerpt from Sotileza)
   And Rick with unwonted diffidence had accepted his exclusion. Now with the same diffidence he came, looking trim and loving and mysteriously humble. 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy
2. (obsolete) Mistrust, distrust, lack of confidence in someone or something.
   I have no diffidence of your abilities—only be constant to one roguery at a time 1777, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The School for Scandal, V.Scene the Last