self-confidence

Also self-as·sur·ance

[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

Other Word Forms

• self-confident adjective
• self-confidently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-confidence¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Related Words

• self-assurance