self-confidence

[ self-kon-fi-duhns, self- ]

noun

1. realistic confidence in one's own judgment, ability, power, etc.

   Synonyms: poise, self-respect, self-possession, assurance

2. excessive or inflated confidence in one's own judgment, ability, etc.

   Synonyms: self-esteem, conceit

self-confidence

noun

1. confidence in one's own powers, judgment, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈconfident, adjective
• ˌself-ˈconfidently, adverb

Other Words From

• self-confi·dent adjective
• self-confi·dent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-confidence¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Mailer would argue, for example, that timidity does more harm to the novelist than donning a mask of extreme self-confidence.

From The Daily Beast

She says a lack of self-confidence is one of the major reasons a student drops out of English classes.

From The Daily Beast

Was that self-confidence something you were born with, or something you had to reach?

From The Daily Beast

It also tends to take economic self-confidence and independence to actually be able to hold governments to account.

From The Daily Beast

He caught my eye and grinned, full of self-confidence and charm and not the least bit embarrassed.

From The Daily Beast

Rapidity of action and a self-confidence which on the battlefield never felt itself beaten were the cause of Murat's success.

From Project Gutenberg

The man who has seen gains self-confidence and the prestige of his subject when he encounters others who have only heard and read.

From Project Gutenberg

But his will was firm, for by this time his self-confidence and love of his art had taken firm root.

From Project Gutenberg

"Look higher," jeered Molly, her self-confidence returning, as she realized their uncertainty.

From Project Gutenberg

Her implicit belief in and obedience to him have increased his self-confidence into a dogmatic assertion of infallibility.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• self-assurance