1 confidence | Definition of confidence
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

confidence

noun
con·​fi·​dence | \ ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s How to pronounce confidence (audio) , -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

Keep scrolling for more

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.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Youthfulness is beauty in its most obvious sense, there's classical beauty, but with age and experience come confidence — and there is nothing more beautiful to radiate than that. — Neha Prakash, Allure, "Viola Davis Was Just Named the Newest Face of L’Oréal Paris," 10 Sep. 2019 It is considered likely to shrink again in the third quarter, placing it in a technical recession, and business confidence recently hit a nearly seven-year low. — Washington Post, "German industrial production drops again in June," 6 Sep. 2019 According to Linenberg, the all-female environment gives women a sense of confidence, too. — Heather Balogh Rochfort, The Know, "Kicking the crap out of Bob: Colorado’s first kickboxing studio for women opens," 4 Sep. 2019 Belczynski’s former confidence came from the fact that such a big black hole can’t form in the usual way. — Quanta Magazine, "Possible Detection of a Black Hole So Big It ‘Should Not Exist’," 28 Aug. 2019 These programs build their confidence and strength and help them grow physically, emotionally and socially. — Susan Bryant, sun-sentinel.com, "Big Bad BBQ Bash: 4,000 pounds of all-you-can eat ribs and chicken in Fort Lauderdale," 23 Aug. 2019 This month, confidence dipped among independents and Republicans, according to the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, which showed the second-lowest overall level since before 2016 election. — Sahil Kapur, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump can win re-election, but new polls show he’s right to worry," 20 Aug. 2019 Her father has a lot to answer for, because none of his kids have any confidence. — Adam Rathe, Town & Country, "Matthew Macfadyen, the actor behind the newly-minted Roy, explains what the hell is happening with Tom.," 18 Aug. 2019 To this, add her confidence in white supremacy, the better to reassert, or maintain, white power in the face of a new, racially diverse social order. — Brenda Wineapple, The New Republic, "Who wrote women out of Civil War history?," 16 Aug. 2019

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.

See More

First Known Use of confidence

Noun

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

Adjective

1849, in the meaning defined above

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

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for confidence

confidence

noun
How to pronounce confidence (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of confidence

: a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something
: a feeling or belief that someone or something is good or has the ability to succeed at something
: the feeling of being certain that something will happen or that something is true

See the full definition for confidence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

confidence

noun
con·​fi·​dence | \ ˈkän-fə-dəns How to pronounce confidence (audio) \

Kids Definition of confidence

1 : a feeling of trust or belief Do you have confidence in your partner?
2 : self-confidence
3 : reliance on another's secrecy or loyalty Remember, I told you that in confidence.
4 : secret entry 2 Don't betray a confidence.

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!