self-assured
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-assured
First recorded in 1705–15
Explanation
Someone who's self-assured is confident in themselves. It's a lot easier to speak in front of a large group when you're self-assured. If you're shy and unsure of yourself, you'll never be described as self-assured. The self-assured people in your life are the ones who speak up confidently, stand up for themselves, and are poised and positive. This adjective first appeared in the early 18th century, from self and assured, which shares the Latin root securus, "safe," with the word secure.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her creations are aimed at "a normal woman, self-assured, who, when she gets dressed, feels good in our clothes," she said in an interview with Vogue magazine.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
The character seems less self-assured and more wounded than she did in the movie, making her fervently held idealistic beliefs about creative independence seem borrowed from another character.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026
When I ask Brown how she manages to feel so self-assured so young, she laughs before answering.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
To her credit, Ms. Romvari directs with self-assured but unshowy inventiveness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
Like Chris, Carine is energetic and self-assured, a high achiever, quick to state an opinion.
From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
