confidence

Overview

Meaning Now

• A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.
• The state of feeling certain about the truth or outcome of something.
• A relationship of trust; the act of sharing private information.

Journey

The word entered English during the Middle English period, primarily denoting trust or mutual belief. By the 16th century, it expanded to include the sense of self-assurance, which became the predominant modern usage.

Evolution

1. Proto-Indo-European

   *bheidh-

   “to trust, to bind”

   Root for trust and persuasion

2. Latin

   confidere

   “to trust firmly”

   Composed of 'con-' (together/intensive) + 'fidere' (to trust)

3. Latin

   confidentia

   “firm trust, boldness”

   Abstract noun formed from the verb

4. Middle French

   confidence

   “trust, reliance”

   Direct loan via Old French

5. 14th-century English

   confidence

   “reliance, trust”

   Adopted into Middle English

Connections

Explore next

Related to confidence

• diffidence→
• abhorrent→
• abolitionist→