self-confidence

[ self-kon-fi-duhns, self- ]
See synonyms for self-confidence on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. realistic confidence in one's own judgment, ability, power, etc.

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

Origin of self-confidence

1
First recorded in 1630–40
  • Also self-as·sur·ance [self-uh-shoor-uhns, self-] /ˈsɛlf əˈʃʊər əns, ˌsɛlf-/ .

Other words for self-confidence

Other words from self-confidence

  • self-con·fi·dent, adjective
  • self-con·fi·dent·ly, adverb

Words Nearby self-confidence

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use self-confidence in a sentence

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

    Napoleon's Marshals | R. P. Dunn-Pattison
  • The man who has seen gains self-confidence and the prestige of his subject when he encounters others who have only heard and read.

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

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

    In the Onyx Lobby | Carolyn Wells
  • Her implicit belief in and obedience to him have increased his self-confidence into a dogmatic assertion of infallibility.

    At Last | Marion Harland

British Dictionary definitions for self-confidence

self-confidence

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

Derived forms of self-confidence

  • self-confident, adjective
  • self-confidently, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012