What does confidence mean?
"Confidence" is an English noun carrying two closely linked senses: an inner assurance about one's own abilities, qualities, or judgment, and a sense of certainty or trust regarding facts, people, or institutions. Someone with high confidence speaks and acts decisively, while a lack of confidence can manifest as hesitation or doubt. The word also appears in formal contexts — a government may win a vote of confidence, or a doctor may share information in strict confidence, meaning it is kept secret. Derived from Latin roots meaning "to trust fully," confidence has long carried positive connotations of strength and reliability, though excessive confidence can shade into arrogance or overconfidence. It is among the most frequently used abstract nouns in English, appearing in psychology, business, sport, and everyday conversation alike, making it essential vocabulary for anyone discussing human character, decision-making, or trust.
A feeling of self-assurance arising from appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
"Her confidence grew as she gained more experience on stage."
Often used uncountably; "a confidence" (countable) is rarer and typically refers to a specific piece of confidential information.
Firm trust in someone or something; certainty about the truth of something.
"Investors expressed confidence in the company's new leadership."
The plural "confidences" usually means private matters shared secretly between people, rather than multiple instances of self-assurance.
"The two friends exchanged confidences late into the night."
"Confidence" literally comes from Latin words meaning "with trust" — so when you have confidence in someone, you are etymologically trusting alongside them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of confidence
The English noun "confidence" derives from the Latin verb confidere, meaning "to trust fully," formed from con- ("with, thoroughly") plus fidere ("to trust"), itself rooted in fides, meaning "faith" or "trust." The word entered English in the late Middle Ages through Old French confiance, initially denoting trust or reliance on another. Over time its sense broadened to include firm belief in one's own capacities. Cognates and derivatives sharing this Latin root include confide, confident, confidential, and fiduciary, all of which preserve the core notion of trust or faithfulness.
How confidence is actually used
"Confidence" is common across registers. The phrase "in confidence" specifically denotes secrecy — information shared privately and not to be disclosed to others. "Self-confidence" is a related compound emphasizing belief in oneself rather than trust in others.
Easily confused with confidence
Confluence refers to the meeting of two rivers or streams (or a coming together in general), while confidence means self-assurance or trust.