self-confidence

American  

[self-kon-fi-duhns, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈkɒn fɪ dəns, ˈsɛlf- /

Also self-assurance

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

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self-confidence British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• self-confident adjective
• self-confidently adverb

Etymology

Origin of self-confidence

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

We regularly took our toddlers to the park so they could build self-confidence on the jungle gyms, and we took our teenagers to visit the city’s cultural attractions.

From The Wall Street Journal

He recently told Sports Illustrated, however, that his self-confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has a mandate that says Chilean self-confidence is back and voters will want him to put it to good use.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Macaulay broke our self-confidence,” Mr. Modi said in a speech in New Delhi last month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oedipus’ rectitude and gleaming self-confidence were so palpable that as he grappled with the slow drip of dark revelations about his past—and present—his increasing disorientation and anguish were excruciating to watch.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• self-assurance