Confidence
'kɒnfɪdəns
Definitions
3 meaningsThe state of feeling certain about the truth of something or the abilities of yourself or others.
'kɒnfɪdəns
A feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.
She approached the interview with quiet confidence.
💡 Simply: It's like when you know you can do something well. Imagine you're about to give a speech and you believe in yourself. That's confidence! Like when you know you'll ace the test because you studied.
👶 For kids: When you believe in yourself and know you can do things.
More Examples
The team's confidence was boosted by their recent success.
It takes confidence to stand up for what you believe in.
How It's Used
"She showed great confidence in her abilities."
"Investors lack confidence in the market."
The state of feeling sure about your own ability to do things or the quality of your work.
'kɒnfɪdəns
A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's awareness of one's own abilities or qualities.
He spoke with a confidence that commanded respect.
💡 Simply: It's the feeling you get when you know you're good at something. Like, you're confident you can ride your bike without training wheels. It's a feeling of self-belief!
👶 For kids: Feeling good about yourself and what you can do.
More Examples
Her natural talent and hard work gave her a sense of confidence.
She displayed unwavering confidence in her decisions.
How It's Used
"Building self-confidence is crucial for mental well-being."
"Practicing positive affirmations can boost one's confidence."
Belief in something, or assurance in something.
'kɒnfɪdəns
The state of feeling certain that something will happen or that a particular result is likely.
The company's stock rose due to investor confidence.
💡 Simply: When you're sure that something will happen or that things will work out. Like, if you have confidence in your team, you believe they'll win the game, even if it's hard. It is a feeling of certainty about an outcome.
👶 For kids: Believing something will happen, like believing you'll have a fun day!
More Examples
She expressed her confidence that the project would be completed on time.
Political stability can create a positive climate of confidence in the country.
How It's Used
"A loss of consumer confidence could negatively affect economic growth."
"The President's speech was intended to restore confidence in the government."
Idioms & expressions
lose confidence
To become less certain, or stop trusting in someone or something.
"After several failures, he began to lose confidence in his ability."
have confidence in
To believe in someone or something and trust them to be successful.
"The manager has complete confidence in his team."
with confidence
In a way that shows certainty or assurance.
"She answered the question with confidence."
full of confidence
Having a great amount of self-assurance or belief in one's abilities.
"Despite the challenge, she was full of confidence."
From Old French *confiance*, from Latin *confidere* ('to trust fully'), from *con-* ('with') + *fidere* ('to trust').
The word 'confidence' has been used since the 14th century to express trust or reliance. Its meaning expanded over time to encompass self-assurance.
Memory tip
Think of your 'self' with 'fid' (Latin for trust). Confidence is trusting in yourself!
Word Origin
"to trust fully (confidere), from con- (with) + fidere (to trust)"