confidence
KON-fih-duhns
Confidence (noun) means a feeling of self-assurance and belief in your own abilities. Example: “Her confidence grew with every performance.”
noun
1
A feeling of self-assurance and belief in your own abilities.
"Her confidence grew with every performance."
"He answered the interview questions with real confidence."
"After weeks of practice, Tom walked on stage with newfound confidence."
2
A firm trust or belief that something is true or will happen.
"Investors have confidence the market will recover."
"We have every confidence that the bridge will open on schedule."
"I have little confidence in the weather forecast for this weekend."
3
Information shared privately, on the understanding it will be kept secret.
"She told me in strict confidence."
"I'm telling you this in confidence, so please keep it to yourself."
"He took her into his confidence and shared the surprise party plan."
How to use confidence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelief in yourself or in something being true — or a secret shared privately.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
gain confidence
in strict confidence
consumer confidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- confidences
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Her _____ grew with every performance.
Etymology
From Latin cōnfīdentia, from cōnfīdō ("to trust fully") — from con- + fīdō ("trust").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for confidence
See all rhymes for confidence →Frequently asked questions
What does “confidence” mean?
The word “confidence” means a feeling of self-assurance and belief in your own abilities. In plain terms, belief in yourself or in something being true — or a secret shared privately.
How do you pronounce “confidence”?
“Confidence” is pronounced KON-fih-duhns (/ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “confidence” in a sentence?
Here is “confidence” used in a sentence: “Her confidence grew with every performance.”
What is the opposite of “confidence”?
The opposite of “confidence” — its antonyms — are timidity, shyness, bashfulness and insecurity.
What part of speech is “confidence”?
“Confidence” is a noun.
Where does the word “confidence” come from?
The word “confidence” comes from Latin. From Latin cōnfīdentia, from cōnfīdō ("to trust fully") — from con- + fīdō ("trust").
Is “confidence” a common word?
“Confidence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “confidence” have?
“Confidence” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of self-assurance and belief in your own abilities.
What is the difference between confidence and arrogance?
Confidence is a healthy belief in your own abilities, grounded in experience and open to being wrong. Arrogance is an inflated sense of superiority that dismisses others and overrates itself. Confidence quietly trusts itself; arrogance needs to look down on people to feel secure. One attracts, the other repels.
Can confidence be learned or built?
Yes. Confidence is not fixed at birth; it grows with preparation, practice, and small successes. Mastering a skill, facing fears gradually, and reflecting on past achievements all strengthen self-belief. Even acting confidently in modest situations tends to build genuine assurance over time. It is a habit as much as a trait.
What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
Confidence is belief in your ability to do specific things — speak in public, pass a test, handle a job. Self-esteem is your overall sense of worth as a person. You can be confident at a task yet low in self-esteem, or the reverse. One is about capability, the other about value.
Is confidence a good thing?
Confidence is generally positive and valuable — it helps people take on challenges, recover from setbacks, and communicate clearly. The caution is balance: too little breeds hesitation, while too much tips into overconfidence and poor judgement. Well-founded confidence, matched to real ability, is the healthy middle ground.
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