confident
0 antonyms and opposites of confident, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Feeling sure of yourself or your abilities.
How to use confident
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin cōnfīdēns, present participle of cōnfīdere ("to trust fully"). Related to "confide."
Full origin of confident →Frequently asked questions
What does “confident” mean?
The word “confident” means feeling sure of yourself or your abilities. In plain terms, feeling sure — either of yourself, or that something will happen as expected.
How do you pronounce “confident”?
“Confident” is pronounced KON-fih-duhnt (/ˈkɑnfɪdənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “confident” in a sentence?
Here is “confident” used in a sentence: “She walked into the room feeling confident and prepared.”
What part of speech is “confident”?
“Confident” is an adjective.
Where does the word “confident” come from?
The word “confident” comes from Latin. From Latin cōnfīdēns, present participle of cōnfīdere ("to trust fully"). Related to "confide.".
Is “confident” a common word?
“Confident” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “confident” have?
“Confident” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: feeling sure of yourself or your abilities.
What is the difference between 'confident' and 'confidant'?
They sound similar but differ in spelling and meaning. 'Confident' is an adjective meaning sure of yourself or your abilities. A 'confidant' is a noun, a trusted person you share secrets and private feelings with. So you can feel confident before a speech, or tell your worries to a close confidant.
What is the difference between confident and arrogant?
Confidence is a healthy, grounded belief in yourself; arrogance is an inflated one. A confident person trusts their abilities without needing to belittle others, while an arrogant person overrates themselves and looks down on people. The line is often about respect: confidence lifts you up, arrogance puts others down.
Can confidence be learned?
Yes. Although some people seem naturally self-assured, confidence is largely built through experience and practice. Preparing thoroughly, taking small risks, and building on each success gradually strengthens your belief in yourself. Setbacks are part of the process, and over time most people can grow noticeably more confident in a given area.
Is 'confident' a positive word?
Generally, yes. Describing someone as confident is usually a compliment, suggesting they are self-assured, capable, and calm under pressure. It only turns negative if it tips into overconfidence or arrogance. Used well, it points to a balanced, healthy belief in oneself that others tend to find reassuring and attractive.