Diffidence (noun)

1. Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
2. A lack of self-confidence or self-assurance; shyness.

Origin:

Late 18th century: from french diffidence or latin diffidentia, from diffidere "to distrust".

Examples:

1. He spoke with diffidence and hesitated before answering the question.
2. Her diffidence made it difficult for her to speak in public.
3. He was so full of diffidence that he could hardly speak.
4. Her diffidence was mistaken for arrogance.
5. His diffidence disappeared when he was on stage.