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

Parents say having positive women of color as role models is crucial for building self-confidence in girls of color.

From Los Angeles Times

Most gallingly for their menfolk, these previously disenchanted wives had also found self-confidence and a notable degree of emotional independence.

From The Wall Street Journal

"When I had just one of my teeth missing, I couldn't smile and my self-confidence was going," says Carol Sherman, who was at the front of that huge queue in Bristol two years ago.

From BBC

Trina Rodden from youth unemployment charity The Shaw Trust says they have seen a real increase in young people having self-confidence issues and anxiety, partly due to the pandemic.

From BBC

"Iceland is strong economically, but also in terms of national self-confidence, and thus able to make this decision," she said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• self-assurance