Final answer:
A citizen's complaint characterized by diffident deprecation is best described as timid criticism due to the shy and reserved nature suggested by 'diffident' and the disapproval conveyed by 'deprecation'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of diffident deprecation, the citizen's complaint would likely be characterized as C) Timid criticism. The word diffident implies a lack of self-confidence or a shy and reserved nature, while deprecation indicates disapproval or belittlement. Given these definitions, when a citizen voices a complaint in a manner that is diffident and deprecatory, the citizen is not showing indifference, approval, or praise.
Rather, they are likely expressing criticism in a manner that is not confident or is somewhat reluctant. This can be inferred from the terms used to describe the citizen's complaint, such as hesitant and critical, which align with timid criticism.