confidence

noun

con·fi·dence | \ ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s

, -ˌden(t)s\

Definition of confidence

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

3a : 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

adjective

Definition of confidence (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises a confidence game a confidence man

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about confidence

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Choose the Right Synonym for confidence

Noun

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

When Two Powers Collide As a new DIA report makes clear, China is rapidly gaining confidence in its military power. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About the South China Sea, the World's Next Hot Spot," 27 Feb. 2019 Trump’s speeches, debates and documents scored the highest among presidents on a scale that tries to measure confidence in language, more than twice that of low man William Henry Harrison. — Seth Borenstein, The Seattle Times, "Trump’s speech: Less analytical, more sure than predecessors," 13 Feb. 2019 From there, reassess again and try for another minute. Continue this pattern to build confidence in your abilities and ease yourself into a workout. 9. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "13 Mental Strategies to Help You Stick With Your New Exercise Routine," 4 Jan. 2019 In short, nobody has the self-confidence to believe they know anything anymore. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "The comically large 2020 Democratic field, explained," 17 Dec. 2018 The gusto confidence of the social media generation is astounding. — Amber Kallor, Allure, "Val Garland’s New Book Validated Chronicles the Makeup Artist’s Legendary Work," 11 Oct. 2018 The designers presenting their third womenswear collection for the fashion house have shown their mastery of the Sander minimalist aesthetic but have developed the confidence to imbue it with some nostalgia. — Colleen Barry, Fox News, "Milan Fashion: Arbesser embraces sustainability," 19 Sep. 2018 The subpoena aims to unearth documents the House has held back from public view, citing concerns about betraying the confidence of witnesses. — Richard Ruelas, azcentral, "Don Shooter subpoenas secret documents in the House sexual harassment investigation," 12 July 2018 And the confidence of the diving team, and expertise specific to the cave, grew after its first successful mission Sunday. — Anchorage Daily News, "With V-for-Victory sign, rescued Thai boys celebrate freedom," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'confidence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for confidence

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

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