English Profile

confidence · noun U

/ˈkɑn.fəd.əns/Full view

Word family

Nouns: confidence, confidentiality

Adjectives: confident, confidential

Verbs: confide

Adverbs: confidently

confidence (CERTAIN)

B2 when you are certain of your ability to do things well

Dictionary examples:

He's got the confidence to walk into a room of strangers and immediately start a conversation.

The training has given me the confidence to deal with any situation that arises.

She has ability but she lacks confidence.

I have every/complete confidence in her. She'll be perfect for the job.

Learner example:

As a result of such a bad appearance he lacks confidence. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

confidence (TRUST)

C2 trusting someone's ability or believing that something will produce good results

Dictionary example:

Kate's new to the job, but I've got every confidence in her.

Learner example:

I have every confidence in your ability to reach a compromise. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

in confidence

C2 If you tell something to someone in confidence, you do not want them to tell anyone else.

Dictionary example:

I'm sorry, she told me that in confidence.

Learner example:

His real name isn't Piggy but he told Ralph in confidence that they called him that in school because of his appearance. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)