confidence
/ˈkɒnfɪdəns/
Confidence describes a mental state of certainty and security. It manifests in two primary directions: inward (self-assurance) and outward (trust in others or facts). When applied to the self, it is an active energy that reduces hesitation. Unlike 'arrogance', which implies an inflated sense of superiority, true confidence suggests a grounded belief in one's own competence. When applied to others, it functions as a bridge of trust. It is more robust than simple 'hope'; it is the conviction that a specific outcome or person will not fail. In specialized contexts, such as 'confidence tricks', the word takes on a predatory nuance, referring to the exploitation of another's misplaced trust.
Uncountable when referring to the general quality of self-assurance or trust ('She has a lot of confidence'). Countable when referring to a secret told in trust, as in 'sharing one's confidences' with a close friend.
💬Casual Conversation
The client is spiraling. Do we actually have any confidence in this timeline?
Totally. Just lean into the synergy and they'll buy it.
Meanings
A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
"She has the confidence to speak in front of large crowds."
Collocations & Compounds
gain confidence
To develop more self-assurance.
She started taking classes to gain confidence.
lose confidence
To become less self-assured.
He lost confidence after the failure.
full confidence
Complete trust or self-assurance.
I have full confidence in your abilities.
self-confidence
Belief in one's own abilities or judgment.
Her self-confidence was inspiring.
confidence level
The degree of certainty or assurance.
The team's confidence level was high.
Idioms & Sayings
in confidence
In secret; shared as a private matter.
He told me the secret in confidence.
full of confidence
Having a great deal of self-assurance.
She entered the competition full of confidence.
Etymology
The word 'confidence' entered English in the early 15th century, derived from the Latin word 'fidere', meaning 'to trust'. This root also gave rise to words like 'fidelity' and 'fideism'. Initially, 'confidence' in English meant 'a firm trust' or 'reliance' on someone or something, often with a religious connotation, as in 'trust in God'. The sense of 'boldness' or 'self-assurance' developed later, around the 16th century, perhaps influenced by the French word 'confiance', which carried a similar dual meaning of trust and boldness. Over time, the sense of 'self-assurance' became more prominent in everyday usage, while the older meaning of 'trust in others' remained, particularly in formal contexts like legal or financial agreements.