confidence Hear it!

confidence Definition

con·fi·dence (kän′fə dəns)

noun

  1. firm belief; trust; reliance
  2. the fact of being or feeling certain; assurance
  3. belief in one's own abilities; self-confidence
  4. a relationship as confidant take me into your confidence
  5. the belief that another will keep a secret; assurance of secrecy told in strict confidence
  6. something told as a secret
  7. Bible object of trust: Prov. 3:26

Etymology: ME < L confidentia < confidens, prp. of confide

adjective

swindling or used to swindle

confidence Synonyms

confidence

n.

  1. Faith

    reliance, trust, belief; see faith 1.

  2. Self-assurance

    self-confidence, self-reliance, assurance, self-possession, aplomb, poise, morale, fearlessness, boldness, hardihood, resolution, firmness, stoutheartedness, intrepidity, sureness, certitude, conviction, faith in oneself, self-esteem, tenacity, mettle, fortitude, élan, certainty, resoluteness, determination, daring, spirit, overconfidence, cockiness, arrogance, pluck*, dash*, grit*, cool*, heart*, backbone*, nerve*, spunk*, chutzpah*; see also courage 1, determination 2.

  3. A secret

    private matter, personal matter, privileged communication, confidential information; see secret.

confidence, in this comparison, implies belief in one's own abilities, or, esp. in the form self-confidence, reliance on one's own powers he has confidence he will succeed; shy and lacking in self-confidence; assurance, in this connection, suggests an even stronger belief in one's ability, but in an unfavorable sense, it may connote (as may, occasionally, confidence) conceited or arrogant self-sufficiency; self-possession suggests that presence of mind which results from the ability to control one's feelings and behavior; aplomb refers, usually in a favorable sense, to an evident assurance of manner manifesting self-possession she stood her ground with admirable aplomb See also syn. study at belief.

confidence Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • inspire: In this respect, the key role of the six county's notorious Special Branch will not inspire confidence outside of unionist quarters.
  • restore: Last night, campaigners called for further reforms to the controversial system, that has also faced computer problems, to restore public confidence.
  • undermine: These clauses will entirely undermine confidence in electronic communications.
  • gain: Once the routine has been established, students gain the confidence to control their learning.
  • build: Direct communications between the parties could help to build confidence.
  • boost: Each card can be read in one sitting, boosting the confidence of even the most reluctant reader.

Adjective modifier

  • strict: Personal matters are treated in strict confidence by the counselor.
  • renewed: Relief and renewed confidence meant we had the play and dominated the game with one-twos, switching play across the pitch glorious.
  • increased: Back to top " The gradual feeling of being in more control through increased confidence at work has been a breath of fresh air.
  • utmost: Any information given will be treat in utmost confidence.
  • public: The current voting system does command a high degree of public confidence.
  • new-found: Hodgson, having again displayed new-found confidence at the highest level, agreed.

Modifies a noun

  • interval: Confidence intervals have not been shown on any of the crude rate charts.
  • trickster: They are confidence tricksters and should be locked up for fraud.
  • booster: ENGLISH: remedial tuition or confidence booster ( I am experienced in working with dyslexic children and children with learning difficulties ).
  • boost: When I passed my AFF I was delighted and it gave me a massive confidence boost.
  • trick: The word " spiritual " is itself a confidence trick.

Noun used with modifier

  • self: The finding that cannabis reduces driver's self confidence was not moderated by alcohol, which has been shown to have the opposite effect.
  • consumer: Flagging consumer confidence is the main reason behind Yes Car's troubles.
  • investor: A Financial Times editorial ( 20 December ) also suggested that the rigged auction would simply undermine investor confidence.
confidence Quotes

All fiction is for me a kind of magic and trickeryöa confidence trick, trying to make people believe something is true that isn't.

—Wilson, SirAngus FrankJohnstone

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

—Bible (Old Testament)

We shall not flag or fail.We shall go on to the end.We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be.We shall fight on the beaches, weshall fight onthelanding grounds, weshall fight inthe fields and in thestreets, we shall fight inthehills.We shall never surrender.

—Churchill, Lord Randolph Henry Spencer

Inreturning and rest shall ye be saved; inquietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

—Bible (Old Testament)

Show your confidence. Show you're not afraid.Go to restaurants.Go shopping.

—Giuliani, Rudy (RudolphWilliam)

We can now look forward with something like confidence to the time when war between civilised nations will be considered as antiquated as a duel.

—Gooch, George Peabody

The suaveness isn't born of confidence; it's born of fright.

—Hyde-White,Wilfred

No leader deserves the unconditional confidence of his people.

—Webster, Margaret