confidence
UK[ˈkɒnfɪdəns]US[ˈkɑːnfɪdəns]
n
The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.
n
The telling of private matters or secrets with mutual trust.
n
A feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
fid
ence
con
together, with
fid
trust
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "confidence" has its origins in the Latin term confidentia, which itself is built from the prefix con- (meaning "with" or "thoroughly") and the verb fidere (meaning "to trust"). This literal combination, "to trust thoroughly," described a state of firm reliance or trust, either in another person or in oneself. The term was adopted into Middle English via Old French, carrying the core sense of trustful communication and assured expectation. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the internal, psychological state of self-assurance and certainty, reflecting the evolution from an external relational trust to an internal personal quality.
Analysis
Structure: con (together, with) + fid (trust) + ence (noun suffix)
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with, thoroughly."
- fid: A root from Latin fidere, meaning "to trust."
- ence: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -entia, indicating a state or quality.
Examples
She spoke with great confidence during the presentation.
He took me into his confidence and shared his plans.
The team's recent wins have boosted their confidence.