[con.fi.dence] n (14c) 1 a: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances "had perfect ~ in her ability to succeed" "met the risk with brash ~" b: faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way "have ~ in a leader"
2: the quality or state of being certain: certitude "they had every ~ of success" 3 a: a relation of trust or intimacy "took his friend into his ~" b: reliance on another's discretion "their story was told in strictest ~" c: support esp. in a legislative body "vote of ~"
4: a communication made in confidence: secret syn confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment. confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance "the confidence that comes from long experience". assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers "handled the cross-examination with complete assurance". self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers "answered the insolent question with complete self-possession". aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations "handled the reporters with great aplomb".
[2]confidence adj (1849): of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises "a ~ game" "a ~ man"