Confidence

Confidence
This article is about virtue. For other uses, see Confidence (disambiguation).
"Confident" redirects here. For the theatrical character, see confidant.

Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-confidence is having confidence in oneself. Arrogance or hubris in this comparison, is having unmerited confidence—believing something or someone is capable or correct when they are not. Overconfidence or presumptuousness is excessive belief in someone (or something) succeeding, without any regard for failure. Scientifically, a situation can only be judged after the aim has been achieved or not. Confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy as those without it may fail or not try because they lack it and those with it may succeed because they have it rather than because of an innate ability.

Self-confidence

Main article: Self-confidence

Self-confidence does not necessarily imply 'self-belief' or a belief in one's ability to succeed. For instance, one may be inept at a particular sport or activity, but remain 'confident' in one's demeanor, simply because one does not place a great deal of emphasis on the outcome of the activity. When one does not dwell on negative consequences one can be more 'self-confident' because one is worrying far less about failure or the disapproval of others following potential failure. One is then more likely to focus on the actual situation which means that enjoyment and success in that situation is also more probable. Belief in one's abilities to perform an activity comes through successful experience and may add to, or consolidate, a general sense of self-confidence.[original research?]

Confidence in others

Main article: trust (social sciences)

People may have confidence in other people or forces beyond their control. For instance, one might have confidence in the police to protect them, or might have confidence that a sports team will win a game. Faith and trust are synonyms of confidence when used in this sense.

See also


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • confidence — [ kɔ̃fidɑ̃s ] n. f. • v. 1370; lat. confidentia → confier 1 ♦ (1647) Communication d un secret qui concerne soi même. ⇒ confession. Faire une confidence à qqn. Recevoir des confidences. « La confidence n est parfois qu un succédané laïque de la… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • confidence — con‧fi‧dence [ˈkɒnfdns ǁ ˈkɑːn ] noun [uncountable] 1. the feeling that you can trust someone or something to do what they say, work properly etc: • We have every confidence in the team. • Our top priority is to maintain customer confidence in… …   Financial and business terms

  • Confidence — Con fi*dence, n. [L. confidentia firm trust in, self confidence: cf. F. confidence.] 1. The act of confiding, trusting, or putting faith in; trust; reliance; belief; formerly followed by of, now commonly by in. [1913 Webster] Society is built… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • confidence — 1 *trust, reliance, dependence, faith Analogous words: certitude, assurance, conviction, *certainty: credence, credit, *belief, faith Antonyms: doubt: apprehension Contrasted words: *distrust, mistrust: despair, hopelessness (see under …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • confidence — Confidence. s. f. Participation aux secrets d autruy. Il est dans la confidence d un tel. il a la confidence d un tel. entrer dans la confidence de quelqu un. parler en confidence. traiter en confidence. On dit, Faire confidence de quelque chose… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • confidence — CONFIDENCE. s. f. La part qu on donne ou qu on reçoit d un secret. Faire confidence de quelque chose à quelqu un. Il m a fait confidence de son dessein. Être bien avant dans la confidence, entrer dans la confidence de quelqu un. Parler en… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française 1798

  • confidence — I (faith) noun affiance, aplomb, assurance, boldness, certainty, certitude, cocksureness, confidentness, conviction, courage, credence, credulity, fearlessness, fides, fiducia, firm belief, heart, intrepidity, morale, nerve, optimism, poise,… …   Law dictionary

  • confidence — [kän′fə dəns] n. [ME < L confidentia < confidens, prp. of CONFIDE] 1. firm belief; trust; reliance 2. the fact of being or feeling certain; assurance 3. belief in one s own abilities; self confidence 4. a relationship as confidant [take me… …   English World dictionary

  • confidence — ► NOUN 1) the belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. 2) self assurance arising from an appreciation of one s abilities. 3) the telling of private matters or secrets with mutual trust. 4) a secret or private matter told …   English terms dictionary

  • Confidence — Álbum de Downface Publicación 1997 Género(s) Rock experimental Post grunge Duración 41:19 Cronología de …   Wikipedia Español

  • confidence — early 15c., from M.Fr. confidence or directly from L. confidentia, from confidentem (nom. confidens) firmly trusting, bold, prp. of confidere to have full trust or reliance, from com , intensive prefix (see COM (Cf. com )), + fidere to trust (see …   Etymology dictionary

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