Confident
/ˈkɒnfɪdənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or showing certainty about yourself or your abilities.
/ˈkɒnfɪdənt/
Feeling or showing certainty about something.
He was confident that he would win the race.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to take a test, and you've studied really hard. Being confident is like feeling sure you'll do well because you know your stuff! It's like saying, "I got this!"
👶 For kids: When you are confident, you feel sure you can do something well.
More Examples
She spoke with a confident voice.
I am confident in my decision.
How It's Used
"She is confident in her abilities."
"The company is confident about its future growth."
Feeling certain about something based on evidence or belief.
/ˈkɒnfɪdənt/
Feeling certain about the truth or validity of something.
The team is confident about their chances of winning.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking at a puzzle, and you've found all the pieces and know how they fit. Being confident about a fact is like knowing all the pieces of the puzzle are in place, and that the solution must be correct. You *feel* it's right.
👶 For kids: When you are confident that something is true, you feel very sure about it.
More Examples
I am confident that I passed the exam.
We are confident that the new technology will be successful.
How It's Used
"The lawyer was confident in his case."
"Scientists are confident in their findings."
Idioms & expressions
a confident air
A demeanor that expresses self-assurance.
"She walked into the room with a confident air, immediately commanding attention."
to be confident of something
To feel certain or assured about a particular outcome or belief.
"The team is confident of their chances in the upcoming match."
From Latin *confidens*, present participle of *confidere* 'to have full trust', from *con-* 'with' + *fidere* 'to trust'.
The word 'confident' emerged in the late 16th century, initially referring to having trust or reliance, and gradually evolved to encompass self-assurance.
Memory tip
Think of a 'con' that you are 'fident' in – you are sure you can pull it off.