diffidently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Well,” he began diffidently, “essentially I’m a writer.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Yes, we were responding to anonymous prompts, but we were looking, respectfully and diffidently, at a fellow human being.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2021

Joel smiled diffidently and admitted, "The ball has been bouncing my way so far."

From Golf Digest • Apr. 16, 2020

Every 100 feet or so, a female fan — some were in their teens, others in their 50s — would cut in, diffidently asking for a selfie with this former teen idol from Mexico City.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2018

Milo studied Yossarian diffidently through the corner of his eye, hesitating tactfully.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller