I. ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s, -ˌden(t)s noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances
had perfect confidence in her ability to succeed
met the risk with brash confidence
b. : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
have confidence in a leader
2. : the quality or state of being certain : certitude
they had every confidence of success
3.
a. : a relation of trust or intimacy
took his friend into his confidence
b. : reliance on another's discretion
their story was told in strictest confidence
c. : support especially in a legislative body
vote of confidence
4. : a communication made in confidence : secret
accused him of betraying a confidence
Synonyms:
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
II. adjective
Date: 1849
: of, relating to, or adept at swindling by false promises
a confidence game
a confidence man