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

"It boosted my self-confidence, my health, and I became more willing to learn new things, to take on new challenges."

From Barron's

"And for sure we want to improve, we want to be better in every area, with that sense as well of self-confidence and conviction that we are on the right path."

From Barron's

He has been manifesting it for years through his self-confidence, hard work and leadership.

From BBC

The review is clear about how Europe can regain its "self-confidence".

From BBC

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

Related Words

• self-assurance