confidence
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[ kon-fi-duhns ]
/ ˈkɒn fɪ dəns /
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability to succeed.
belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance: His lack of confidence defeated him.
certitude; assurance: He described the situation with such confidence that the audience believed him completely.
a secret that is confided or imparted trustfully: The friends exchanged many confidences over the years.
(especially in European politics) the wish to retain an incumbent government in office, as shown by a vote in a particular issue: a vote of confidence.
presumption; impudence: Her disdainful look crushed the confidence of the brash young man.
Archaic. something that gives confidence; ground of trust.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Idioms about confidence
in confidence, as a secret or private matter, not to be divulged or communicated to others; with belief in a person's sense of discretion: I told him in confidence.
Origin of confidence
–; Middle English (<Middle French ) <Latin confīdentia.See confide, -ence
synonym study for confidence
1. See trust. 2. Confidence,assurance both imply a faith in oneself. Confidence may imply trust in oneself or arrogant self-conceit. Assurance implies even more sureness of oneself; this may be shown as undisturbed calm or as offensive boastfulness.
OTHER WORDS FROM confidence
hy·per·con·fi·dence,nounnon·con·fi·dence,nounsu·per·con·fi·dence,nounWords nearby confidence
confessor, confetti, confidant, confidante, confide, confidence, confidence game, confidence interval, confidence level, confidence limits, confidence man
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc.
Words related to confidence
certainty, poise, morale, courage, determination, tenacity, spirit, assurance, faith, trust, hope, resoluteness, heart, self-possession, nerve, dash, élan, sureness, grit, presumption
How to use confidence in a sentence
Put your foot down, and the car plows forward with the confidence of internal combustion.
Polestar 1 Review: A hybrid grand tourer worthy of its $, price|Matt Burns|August 10, |TechCrunch
Men, on the other hand, generally tend not to suffer such qualms and, as a result, seem more willing to aspire to challenging positions, with the hope and confidence that they will grow into the job.
Why every woman should learn the rule of thirds|Nandita Bakhshi|August 6, |Quartz
He was alternately starting and coming off the bench, and whether it was his role or his confidence or something else entirely, things just … weren’t clicking.
Lonzo Ball Makes His Teammates Better — And Zion Makes Lonzo Better|Jared Dubin|August 6, |FiveThirtyEight
If their confidence wavers, they’ll pull their money out and stop using the bank.
‘Lights Out’: A new book investigates how and when things fell apart at General Electric|Rachel King|July 21, |Fortune
As confidence in government decays because of mismanaged pandemic responses, trust will likely shift to the local level.
Beyond covid lies a new normal—and new opportunities|Jason Sparapani|June 30, |MIT Technology Review
But locals there say any money deposited is thrown into an unlocked cupboard behind the tellers, hardly inspiring confidence.
ISIS’s Futile Quest to Go Legit|Jamie Dettmer|January 5, |DAILY BEAST
For his part, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has expressed his “full confidence” in Representative Scalise.
Reverend Jeremiah Wright Was Worse Than Scalise|Ron Christie|January 2, |DAILY BEAST
What designer West lacks in productivity, he more than makes up for in pure, unadulterated confidence and blind anger.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s Balmain Campaign: High Fashion Meets Low Culture|Amy Zimmerman|December 23, |DAILY BEAST
The FARC has a long way to go to win the confidence of the Colombian people.
Did The U.S.-Cuba Deal Help Drive A Rebel Ceasefire in Colombia?|Richard McColl|December 18, |DAILY BEAST
Mailer would argue, for example, that timidity does more harm to the novelist than donning a mask of extreme self-confidence.
Mailer’s Letters Pack a Punch and a Surprising Degree of Sweetness|Ronald K. Fried|December 14, |DAILY BEAST
With childlike confidence he follows the advice of some more or less honest dealer.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
We have been in the profession some years, Mr. Pickwick, and have been honoured with the confidence of many excellent clients.
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2)|Charles Dickens
She embraced Otteline; and gave him her hand to kiss, with repeated expressions of future confidence in the husband of her friend.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
Her work is full of life and strength, and her touch shows her confidence in herself and her technical knowledge.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement
Not more than one adult worker in ten—so at least it might with confidence be estimated—is employed on necessary things.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
British Dictionary definitions for confidence
confidence
noun
a feeling of trust in a person or thingI have confidence in his abilities
belief in one's own abilities; self-assurance
trust or a trustful relationshiptake me into your confidence
something confided or entrusted; secret
in confidenceas a secret
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. , © HarperCollins Publishers , , , , , , ,
Other Idioms and Phrases with confidence
In addition to the idiom beginning with confidence
also see:
- in confidence
- take into one's confidence
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © , , by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
antonyms for confident
MOST RELEVANT
Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © by the Philip Lief Group.
TRY USING confident
See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
WHEN TO USE
What are other ways to say confident?
The adjective confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism.Certain suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONFIDENT
How to use confident in a sentence
Things looked anxious for a bit, but by this morning's dawn all are dug in, cool, confident.
GALLIPOLI DIARY, VOLUME IIAN HAMILTONWORDS RELATED TO CONFIDENT
bold
adjectivebrazen, insolentbolder
adjectivebrazen, insolentRoget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © by the Philip Lief Group.
confidence
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View in context
View in context
Lightwood replies that he was consulted certainly, but could give no opinion which would pay off the Bill of Sale, and therefore violates no confidence in supposing that it came of their living beyond their means.
'Waiting?' says Eugene over his shoulder, in confidence, with the Analytical.
View in context
There is an excess of refinement in the idea of disabling the people to continue in office men who had entitled themselves, in their opinion, to approbation and confidence; the advantages of which are at best speculative and equivocal, and are overbalanced by disadvantages far more certain and decisive.
These considerations, and the influence of personal confidences and attachments, would be likely to induce every new President to promote a change of men to fill the subordinate stations; and these causes together could not fail to occasion a disgraceful and ruinous mutability in the administration of the government.
View in context
All his sanguine expectations, all his confidence had been justified.
how eloquent, at least, were her wishes on the side of early warm attachment, and a cheerful confidence in futurity, against that over-anxious caution which seems to insult exertion and distrust Providence!
View in context
"Is it the immediate object of this confidence, that you may at once ascertain that, with my knowledge?"
"It is, that if Miss Manette should bring to you at any time, on her own part, such a confidence as I have ventured to lay before you, you will bear testimony to what I have said, and to your belief in it.
View in context
Although Mrs Nickleby had been made acquainted by her son and daughter with every circumstance of Madeline Bray's history which was known to them; although the responsible situation in which Nicholas stood had been carefully explained to her, and she had been prepared, even for the possible contingency of having to receive the young lady in her own house, improbable as such a result had appeared only a few minutes before it came about, still, Mrs Nickleby, from the moment when this confidence was first reposed in her, late on the previous evening, had remained in an unsatisfactory and profoundly mystified state, from which no explanations or arguments could relieve her, and which every fresh soliloquy and reflection only aggravated more and more.
These were proud times for Mrs Nickleby; never was anybody half so discreet and sage as she, or half so mysterious withal; and never were there such cunning generalship, and such unfathomable designs, as she brought to bear upon Mr Frank, with the view of ascertaining whether her suspicions were well founded: and if so, of tantalising him into taking her into his confidence and throwing himself upon her merciful consideration.
View in context
"I very soon took my old friend into my confidence. He introduced me to her family, and gave me the countenance of his honorable character.
So the young girl's parents received me as their future son-in-law without, as yet, taking their friends into their confidence.
View in context
Synonyms of confidence in English:
confidence
See US English definition of confidence
See UK English definition of confidence
See Spanish definition of confianza
noun
1‘I have little confidence in these figures’
SYNONYMS
trust, belief, faith, credence, conviction
reliance, dependence
ANTONYMS
distrust, scepticism
2‘she's brimming with confidence’
SYNONYMS
self-assurance, self-confidence, self-reliance, belief in oneself, faith in oneself, positiveness, assertiveness, self-possession, nerve, poise, aplomb, presence of mind, phlegm, level-headedness, cool-headedness, firmness, courage, boldness, mettle, fortitude
ANTONYMS
doubt, uncertainty
3‘the girls exchanged confidences about their parents’
SYNONYMS
secret, private affair, confidential matter, confidentiality, intimacy
Confidence synonyms for
See also synonyms for: confidences
antonyms for confidence
MOST RELEVANT
Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © by the Philip Lief Group.
TRY USING confidence
See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
How to use confidence in a sentence
Men, on the other hand, generally tend not to suffer such qualms and, as a result, seem more willing to aspire to challenging positions, with the hope and confidence that they will grow into the job.
WHY EVERY WOMAN SHOULD LEARN THE RULE OF THIRDSNANDITA BAKHSHIAUGUST 6, QUARTZThe level of confidence in their understanding of issues, which participants were asked to report at the start of the experiment, was drastically reduced after they tried, and failed, to demonstrate their understanding.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND (EP. )STEPHEN J. DUBNERMAY 30, FREAKONOMICSWORDS RELATED TO CONFIDENCE
belief
nounputting regard in as truebeliefs
nounputting regard in as truebrass
nounimpulsiveness; nerveRoget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © by the Philip Lief Group.
Frequently Asked Questions About confidence
How is the word confidence distinct from other similar nouns?
Some common synonyms of confidence are aplomb, assurance, and self-possession. While all these words 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
In what contexts can aplomb take the place of confidence?
While in some cases nearly identical to confidence, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.
handled the reporters with great aplomb
When could assurance be used to replace confidence?
The words assurance and confidence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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
When might self-possession be a better fit than confidence?
The words self-possession and confidence can be used in similar contexts, but 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
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Confidence synonyms
reliance
Trust, dependence, or confidence
trust
Reliance on something in the future; hope:
assurance
The definition of assurance is an affirmation and commitment.
certitude
The state of being certain or convinced of something; complete assurance; confidence:
self-confidence
Self-confidence is a person's belief or trust in their own ability.
courage(related)
The attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it; quality of being fearless or brave; valor
faith in oneself
certainty
The quality of being established as true:
morale
Morale is the general mood of a person and whether he is confident, motivated and willing to perform tasks.
poise
Carriage; bearing, as of the body or head
belief
Faith, esp. religious faith
optimistic
The definition of optimistic is a feeling or attitude of being positive or hopeful about the future.
authority
Power assigned to another; authorization:
conviction
The definition of a conviction is someone being found guilty of a crime or having a strong belief in something.
determination(related)
The ascertaining or fixing of the quantity, quality, position, or character of something:
certain(related)
A certain indefinite number; certain ones (of)
diffidence(antonym)
The quality or state of being diffident; timidity or shyness.
fortitude
Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.
privileged communication
A communication made under certain circumstances, as in a legislative proceeding, such that it is not actionable as slander or libel
secret(related)
The definition of a secret is something kept from public knowledge or the knowledge of a specific person.
peremptory
The definition of peremptory is demanding people do things your way and do them now or a final judgment or decision, especially one made by a court.
unabashed
The definition of unabashed is a confident person, or someone who is not embarrassed, or something that is not concealed.
bravura
(Music) Brilliant technique or style in performance.
credence
(Eccles.) A small table at the side of the altar for the bread, wine, etc. used in the Eucharistic service
credit
(Uncountable, US) A person's credit rating or creditworthiness, as represented by their history of borrowing and repayment (non payment).
dependence
Reliance (on another) for support or aid
effrontery
(Countable) An act of insolent and shameless audacity.
heart
A playing card of the suit hearts featuring one or more heart-shaped symbols.
personal
A short, personal communication placed as in a newspaper
positivism
The quality or state of being positive; certainty; assurance
fear(antonym)
(uncountable) A strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.
apprehension(antonym)
Apprehension is defined as when you are nervous and scared about something or about what might happen.
tenacity
The greatest longitudinalstress a substance can bear without tearingasunder, - usually expressed with reference to a unit area of the cross section of the substance, as the number of pounds per square inch, or kilograms per square centimeter, necessary to produce rupture.
cockiness
(Informal) The quality of being cocky
arrogance
The act or habit of arrogating, or making undue claims in an overbearing manner; that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims of rank, dignity, estimation, or power, or which exalts the worth or importance of the person to an undue degree; proud contempt of others; lordliness; haughtiness; self-assumption; presumption.
pluck
An animal's heart, liver, lungs, and windpipe, used for food
dash
Spirited quality; vigor; verve
cool
A cool place, time, thing, part, etc.
confident
The definition of confident is to be certain about something or feeling sure of yourself and your abilities.
presumption
A ground or reason for presuming; evidence that points to the probability of something
spirit
A pervasive or essential attitude, quality, or principle:
tour de force
A feat requiring great virtuosity or strength, often deliberately undertaken for its difficulty:
doubt(antonym)
(Obs.) Apprehension or fear
distrust(antonym)
Distrust is defined as a lack of trust or confidence.
self-assurance
Confidence in oneself, or in one's own ability, talent, etc.