confidence

¹con·fi·dence

noun \ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s, -ˌden(t)s\

Definition of CONFIDENCE

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>

Examples of CONFIDENCE

1. The class gave me more confidence.
2. He lacked the confidence to succeed.
3. The experience gave her the confidence to start her own business.
4. Good grades boosted her confidence.
5. It takes time to build confidence when you are learning a new skill.
6. They have an air of confidence about them.
7. She has done little to gain their confidence.
8. School officials express confidence that the problem will soon be resolved.

First Known Use of CONFIDENCE

14th century

Related to CONFIDENCE

Synonyms: aplomb, assurance, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-trust

Antonyms: diffidence, insecurity, self-distrust, self-doubt

Related Words: cockiness, complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, egoism, egotism, hubris, overconfidence, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-applause, self-assumption, self-complacency, self-conceit, self-consequence, self-content, self-contentment, self-glorification, self-importance, self-opinion, self-partiality, self-satisfaction, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vanity; calmness, composure, coolness, equanimity; self-poise, self-possession; assumption, bumptiousness, haughtiness, hauteur, huffiness, imperiousness, loftiness, lordliness, peremptoriness, presumptuousness, pretentiousness, superciliousness, superiority, toploftiness

Near Antonyms: apprehension, doubt, misgiving

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Synonym Discussion of 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>.