Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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. Society is built upon trust, and trust upon confidence of one another's integrity. --South. A cheerful confidence in the mercy of God. --Macaulay. 2. That in which faith is put or reliance had. The Lord shall be thy confidence. --Prov. iii. 26. 3. The state of mind characterized by one's reliance on himself, or his circumstances; a feeling of self-sufficiency; such assurance as leads to a feeling of security; self-reliance; -- often with self prefixed. Your wisdom is consumed in confidence; Do not go forth to-day. --Shak. But confidence then bore thee on secure Either to meet no danger, or to find Matter of glorious trial. --Milton. 4. Private conversation; (pl.) secrets shared; as, there were confidences between them. Sir, I desire some confidence with you. --Shak. {Confidence game}, any swindling operation in which advantage is taken of the confidence reposed by the victim in the swindler. {Confidence man}, a swindler. {To take into one's confidence}, to admit to a knowledge of one's feelings, purposes, or affairs. Syn: Trust; assurance; expectation; hope. I am confident that very much be done. --Boyle. 2. Trustful; without fear or suspicion; frank; unreserved. Be confident to speak, Northumberland; We three are but thyself. --Shak. 3. Having self-reliance; bold; undaunted. As confident as is the falcon's flight Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fight. --Shak. 4. Having an excess of assurance; bold to a fault; dogmatical; impudent; presumptuous. The fool rageth and is confident. --Prov. xiv. 16. 5. Giving occasion for confidence. [R.] The cause was more confident than the event was prosperious. --Jer. Taylor.