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

"These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and even self-confidence. Our research shows that gaming, when done in moderation, can be a way for people to grow both personally and professionally."

From Science Daily

The band allowed her to discover her self-confidence and power.

From Los Angeles Times

I felt so depleted of self-confidence, and I was such a shell of myself.

From Los Angeles Times

"Mentally it's really hard - you can see the self-confidence of the players is lost for a while before they come back into the game," he told Sky Sports.

From BBC

It was still, however, a real expression of self-confidence, even if he could also produce the concrete evidence to back it up.

From BBC

Related Words

• self-assurance