What is confidence? Pronunciation and usage in English

confidence means . Learn how to pronounce and use confidence through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of confidence

confidencenoun

/ˈkɒnfɪd(ə)ns/
Definition & pronunciation of confidence

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "confidence" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • con – (like the beginning of "conquer")
  • fi – (like the beginning of "fish")
  • dence – (this is the tricky part!)

2. Detailed Pronunciation:

  • con: Pronounced like the word "con" - short 'o' sound.

  • fi: Pronounced like the word "fish" - a clear "f" sound followed by a short "i" (as in "it").

  • dence: This is where most people stumble. It’s pronounced like "dense" but with a slightly softer "d." Here's how to break it down further:

    • “den”: Say “den” as in the noun, like a small cave. It's a short, neutral "e" sound.
    • “-se”: Add a short "s" sound at the end, quickly and lightly. It's not a strong "s" like in "sun." Think of it as a very quick, almost silent "s" blending into the "e." It feels like a slight aspiration.

3. Putting it all together:

The whole word sounds approximately like: kon-fee-dence (with the "dense" part being relatively quick and soft).

4. Tips & Resources

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. Here are some great resources to hear the correct pronunciation:

    • Google Translate: Type "confidence" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/confidence/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce confidence" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the pronunciation from a native speaker. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What’s your native language? (This helps me anticipate potential pronunciation challenges you might have.)

Usage and examples with the word confidence in English

Let's break down how to use the word "confidence" in English. It's a versatile word with several different nuances. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The core meaning - a feeling):

  • Definition: A feeling of self-assurance arising from one's belief in their abilities or qualities.
  • Examples:
    • "She has great confidence in her abilities as a painter." (She feels sure of herself as an artist.)
    • "He lacked confidence when speaking in public." (He didn't feel secure in his ability to speak.)
    • "Winning the competition gave her a boost of confidence." (It strengthened her belief in herself.)
    • "Building confidence takes time and practice." (It’s a gradual process.)

2. As a Verb (To feel or express certainty):

  • Definition: To be sure of oneself; to believe in one's abilities.
  • Examples:
    • "She confides in her best friend about her worries." (She reveals her feelings to her friend with trust.) – Note: 'Confides' is a related verb, but it specifically refers to revealing private information.
    • "He confided in me his plans for the future." (He shared his plans with you, trusting you.)
    • “I confidently presented my ideas to the team.” (I spoke with assurance and belief.)
    • “Don’t confide in just anyone; choose someone you trust.” (Choose a trustworthy person to share your secrets with.)

3. Different Types/Levels of Confidence:

  • Self-Confidence: Belief in your own abilities and worth. (e.g., "She has a lot of self-confidence.")
  • Social Confidence: Feeling comfortable and secure in social situations. (e.g., "He struggles with social confidence.")
  • Professional Confidence: Believing in your skills and abilities in a work environment. (e.g., “Her professional confidence led to a promotion.”)
  • Quiet Confidence: A subtle, understated belief in oneself; not overly boastful. (e.g., "He had a quiet confidence that was very appealing.")
  • Fake Confidence: Appearing confident when you don't truly feel it. (Use this carefully – it can come across as disingenuous.)

4. Phrases Using "Confidence":

  • With confidence: “He sang with confidence.”
  • Lack of confidence: “She lacked confidence in her decision.”
  • Boost confidence: “Exercise can boost your confidence.”
  • Build confidence: "Taking small steps can build your confidence."
  • Have confidence in yourself: "Believe in your ability to succeed."
  • Express confidence: “She clearly expressed her confidence in the project.”

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Assurance
  • Certainty
  • Self-assurance
  • Security
  • Trust
  • Poise

Tips for Using “Confidence” Effectively:

  • Show, don’t just tell: Instead of saying "He was confident," describe what he did that showed his confidence (e.g., "He spoke clearly and directly, making eye contact with everyone in the room.")
  • Context is key: The specific meaning of "confidence" will depend on the situation.
  • Don't overdo it: Too much talk about your "confidence" can sound arrogant.

Could you tell me a bit more about how you'd like me to help you with "confidence"? For example, are you:

  • Trying to use it in a specific sentence?
  • Wanting to know how to build your own confidence?
  • Looking for more examples of how it's used in different contexts?

Synonyms for the word confidence

Idioms of the word confidence

be in somebody’s confidence
to be trusted with somebody’s secrets
  • He is said to be very much in the president's confidence.
take somebody into your confidence
to tell somebody secrets and personal information about yourself
  • She took me into her confidence and told me about the problems she was facing.
  • She thought she might take Leo into her confidence.

Practice with vocabulary confidence

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her impressive presentation skills significantly boosted her team's ______ in her leadership abilities.
  2. Despite initial setbacks, the entrepreneur maintained his unwavering ______ in the long-term success of his startup.
  3. Cultivating strong professional relationships can significantly improve one's ______ and overall job satisfaction.
  4. All new hires are required to sign a strict ______ agreement concerning proprietary company information.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can imply a strong belief in one's own capabilities or a sense of reliability in a relationship? a) Assurance b) Conviction c) Confidence d) Diffidence e) Reliance

  2. After months of dedicated training, the athlete gained significant ______ in her ability to win the championship race. a) apprehension b) belief c) conviction d) confidence e) certainty

  3. What quality is essential for a public speaker to convey credibility and effectively engage an audience? a) timidity b) assurance c) fluency d) confidence e) hesitation

  4. Which of these words best describes a feeling of doubt or fear about a future event, often without a clear reason? a) optimism b) apprehension c) anticipation d) foreboding e) conviction

  5. A key characteristic of resilient individuals is their ability to maintain ______ and ______ even when faced with significant setbacks. a) despair / fragility b) optimism / perseverance c) indifference / apathy d) pessimism / surrender e) hope / determination

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She believes strongly in her own abilities, which allows her to tackle difficult tasks. (Use "confidence" or a related word form)
  2. The team's belief that their leader could achieve the goal grew stronger after the successful project completion. (Use "confidence" or a related word form)
  3. He was uncertain about the potential success of the new product launch and expressed his doubts. (Do NOT use "confidence"; use a suitable replacement word)

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. confidence
  2. confidence
  3. self-esteem
  4. confidentiality

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Assurance, c) Confidence, e) Reliance
  2. d) confidence
  3. b) assurance, d) confidence
  4. b) apprehension, d) foreboding
  5. b) optimism / perseverance, e) hope / determination

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her strong self-confidence allows her to tackle difficult tasks.
    • (Alternative: She tackles difficult tasks with great confidence in her own abilities.)
  2. The successful project completion boosted the team's confidence in their leader.
    • (Alternative: The team's confidence in their leader grew stronger after the successful project completion.)
  3. He felt apprehensive about the potential success of the new product launch and expressed his doubts.
    • (Alternative: He had reservations about the potential success of the new product launch and expressed his doubts.)

Comment ()