noun

confidence

KAHN-fih-duns/ˈkɑːnfɪdəns/

Trust in the reliability of someone or something.

The speaker's confidence in her own abilities shows in her relaxed posture.

A poised young woman confidently addresses a small audience, standing upright with relaxed shoulders, direct eye contact, a slight assured smile, and an open explanatory gesture rather than hiding behind her notes.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps intensifying

+fidLatinto trust

+enceLatinstate or quality

The trust root, with con- perhaps adding emphasis, first referred to assurance in another person’s good faith. That reliance turned inward to mean trust in one’s own powers, resources, or prospects.

In context

Mulligan Brothers Interviews24:28

there's the mental element that's building the confidence and belief that you are a champion that you can do this

One of the World's best-respected Sports Psychologists Bill Beswick| Full Interview

More examples

The recall shakes consumers' confidence in the brand.
I have complete confidence in your ability to lead.
Years of accurate forecasts build confidence in the system.

Forms

confident adjective — Sure that someone or something is reliable.

Similar words

trust: Emphasizes willingness to rely on someone, sometimes without proof.
faith: Often suggests belief that persists without strong supporting evidence.