confidence

1 of 2

noun

con·​fi·​dence ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

1

a

: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances

had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed

met the risk with brash confidence

b

: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way

have confidence in a leader

2

: the quality or state of being certain : certitude

they had every confidence of success

3

a

: a relation of trust or intimacy

took his friend into his confidence

b

: reliance on another's discretion

Their story was told in strictest confidence.

c

: support especially in a legislative body

vote of confidence

4

: a communication made in confidence : secret

accused him of betraying a confidence

confidence

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises

a confidence game

a confidence man

Synonyms

Noun

• aplomb
• assurance
• self-assurance
• self-assuredness
• self-confidence
• self-esteem
• self-trust

Choose the Right Synonym for confidence

confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment.

confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

Examples of confidence in a Sentence

Noun

The class gave me more confidence.

He lacked the confidence to succeed.

The experience gave her the confidence to start her own business.

Good grades boosted her confidence.

It takes time to build confidence when you are learning a new skill.

They have an air of confidence about them.

She has done little to gain their confidence.

School officials express confidence that the problem will soon be resolved.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other elements add more layers, including Cross getting ensnared in a Black Lives Matter protest and having Alex face a real freak of a nemesis, portrayed with depraved confidence by Ryan Eggold. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

Trump will navigate world politics with greater confidence this time around. —Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

But Braun made 11 of 19 shots from the field that night, attacking the basket and unleashing jumpers with the confidence of a much older player. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

With the confidence, there was a little nervousness. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English confydence, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French confidence, borrowed from Latin confīdentia, from confīdent-, confīdens "trusting in oneself, confident" + -ia -ia entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of confidence entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1847, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing confidence

• confidence game
• confidence interval
• confidence limits
• confidence man
• confidence trick
• confidence trickster
• consumer confidence
• every confidence
• in strict/strictest confidence
• self-confidence
• vote of confidence
• vote of no confidence

Kids Definition

confidence

1 of 2 noun

con·​fi·​dence ˈkän-fəd-ən(t)s 

-fə-ˌden(t)s

1

: a feeling of trust or belief

had confidence in our coach

2

: a feeling of certainty : assurance

spoke with great confidence

3

a

: reliance on another's secrecy or loyalty

told us in confidence

b

: legislative support

vote of confidence

4

: something told in confidence : secret

confidence

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or skilled at swindling by false promises

a confidence game

a confidence man