confidence
She spoke with great confidence during the interview.
She spoke in a way that showed she believed in her own skills and knowledge.
A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
He lacks the confidence to ask for a raise.
He does not feel sure enough of his value to request more money.
Often used with 'in' (confidence in someone/something).
The state of being sure about something; certainty.
I have no confidence that the project will be finished on time.
I am not certain that the project will be completed by the deadline.
Can refer to trust in a person or system.
The quality of being worthy of trust; secrecy.
Everything you tell me is held in strict confidence.
Everything you tell me will be kept secret and not shared with others.
Commonly used in professional or legal contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Confidence vs. Confident
Remember: 'Confidence' is the noun (the feeling), while 'confident' is the adjective (the state of having that feeling). Example: 'Her confidence grew' vs. 'She felt confident.'
Gold Rule
Preposition Usage
Use 'confidence IN' someone or something (e.g., 'confidence in the team'). Use 'in confidence' to mean 'secretly'.
Word Origin
From Old French 'confiance', from Latin 'confidentia' meaning 'trust, reliance', from 'confidere' (to trust fully).
Usage Notes
Confidence is a noun. The adjective form is 'confident'. Do not confuse 'confidence' (trust/self-assurance) with 'confidant' (a person trusted with secrets).