confidence
/ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A feeling of trust in your own ability to do something well. It can also mean calm belief in success. This is the most common meaning in everyday English.
- She spoke with confidence during the interview.
- I need more confidence before the presentation.
- Practice can build confidence quickly.
- 2.
Trust that someone or something is reliable, honest, or true. This meaning is often used in formal, academic, or business English.
- We have confidence in her judgment.
- The report gave investors confidence.
- You need confidence in the process.
Adinary Nuance
Confidence is not the same as arrogance. It means self-belief or trust, while arrogance suggests too much pride. It is also different from courage: courage is acting despite fear, but confidence is feeling sure you can do it. Writers often choose confidence when they want a positive, steady idea of trust.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự tự tin
- Spanish
- confianza
- Chinese
- 自信
- Japanese
- 自信
- Korean
- 자신감
Etymology
Confidence came into English from Old French in the 14th century, from Latin confidentia. It is related to the idea of trusting firmly.
Common phrases
confidence inwith confidencehave confidence inboost confidence
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is confidence positive or negative?
- Usually positive. It means healthy self-belief or trust, not showing off.
- What is the difference between confidence and arrogance?
- Confidence is quiet self-belief. Arrogance is an offensive belief that you are better than others.
- Can I say 'have confidence in'?
- Yes. It is very common in formal and everyday English.
- Is confidence used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in essays, reports, and business writing.