self-confidence
[self-kon-fi-duh ns, self-]
- realistic confidence in one's own judgment, ability, power, etc.
- excessive or inflated confidence in one's own judgment, ability, etc.
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Origin of self-confidence
First recorded in 1630–40
Synonyms
See more synonyms for self-confidence on Thesaurus.com1. assurance, self-possession, self-respect, poise. 2. conceit, self-esteem.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for self-confidence
Contemporary Examples
She says a lack of self-confidence is one of the major reasons a student drops out of English classes.
Was that self-confidence something you were born with, or something you had to reach?
Jessica Alba on 'Sin City,' Typecasting, and How Homophobia Pushed Her Away From the ChurchMarlow Stern
August 18, 2014
He caught my eye and grinned, full of self-confidence and charm and not the least bit embarrassed.
In Palestinian Theater's New York Performance, the Play After the Play is the ThingLisa Goldman
September 28, 2013
Beckham used to be cripplingly shy and lacking in self-confidence.
RuPaul plays a guidance counselor tasked with helping self-loathing Jan rebuild her self-confidence in the Brady Bunch spoof film.
Historical Examples
Though ill and poor at this period, he kept up his self-confidence.
Heroes of the TelegraphJ. Munro
Her self-confidence, which had overthrown Philip, had gradually oozed away.
Where Angels Fear to TreadE. M. Forster
But Germany and Austria lost nothing of their self-confidence.
England and GermanyEmile Joseph Dillon
It cannot all be want of experience as 13th have shown dash and self-confidence.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume 2Ian Hamilton
You cannot forestall that; you must depend upon your own self-confidence.
Blazed Trail StoriesStewart Edward White
self-confidence
- confidence in one's own powers, judgment, etc
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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
Word Origin and History for self-confidence
n.
also self confidence, 1650s, from self- + confidence.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper