Confidence is the strong belief in one's own capabilities or the reliability of something or someone else.
confidence 30秒了解
- self-assurance
- belief in truth
- trust
§ Understanding the Noun "Confidence"
The word "confidence" is a versatile noun with several shades of meaning. At its core, it speaks to a feeling of certainty, whether about one's own capabilities or the reliability of an external factor. Let's break down its usage, grammar, and common prepositions.
§ Grammatical Forms and Usage
- Singular vs. Plural
- "Confidence" is typically an uncountable noun, meaning it doesn't usually take a plural form. You wouldn't say "confidences" in the sense of multiple feelings of certainty. However, it can be used to refer to secrets or private matters shared with someone, in which case "confidences" is correct (e.g., "sharing confidences"). For the purpose of expressing self-assurance or trust, it remains singular.
She had great confidence in her ability to solve the problem.
- Determiners and Quantifiers
- As an uncountable noun, "confidence" is often preceded by determiners like "some," "much," "little," "a lot of," or "no." You can also use possessive adjectives like "my," "your," "his," etc.
He showed very little confidence before the presentation.
My confidence grew with each successful step.
§ Common Prepositions with "Confidence"
The choice of preposition depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are the most common ones:
- Confidence in: This is by far the most frequent preposition used with "confidence." It expresses belief or trust in someone or something.
The team has full confidence in their coach's strategy.
Do you have confidence in your own judgment?
- Confidence about: This is used when expressing certainty or assurance regarding a particular topic or outcome.
She expressed her confidence about the project's success.
- Confidence that: This introduces a clause explaining what one is confident about.
I have every confidence that we will reach our goals.
- Confidence of: This can be used in a similar way to "confidence in" when referring to the source of the confidence or the quality being trusted. It can also be used to refer to a secret (as in "a breach of confidence").
The engineer spoke with the confidence of years of experience.
§ Related Phrases and Expressions
Understanding common collocations will further enhance your ability to use "confidence" naturally.
- To gain/build/boost confidence: To increase one's feeling of self-assurance.
Winning the first match helped them to gain confidence.
- To lose confidence: To become less certain or self-assured.
After several failures, he started to lose confidence in his abilities.
- To have confidence in: To believe in someone or something.
The management has full confidence in the new director.
- To inspire confidence: To make others feel trust or certainty.
Her calm demeanor helped to inspire confidence among the worried investors.
- In confidence: When something is told as a secret.
He told me the news in confidence, so I can't repeat it.
按水平分级的例句
Despite the immense pressure of the high-stakes negotiation, her unwavering confidence allowed her to articulate her points with clarity and conviction, ultimately leading to a favorable outcome for her company.
Despite the immense pressure, her unwavering confidence led to a favorable outcome.
The noun 'confidence' is used with the adjective 'unwavering' to emphasize its strength. 'Allowed her to articulate' shows the effect of her confidence.
The renowned physicist presented his groundbreaking theory with such profound confidence that even his most skeptical colleagues began to seriously consider the revolutionary implications of his research.
The physicist presented his theory with profound confidence, making skeptical colleagues consider it.
'Profound confidence' highlights the depth of his self-assurance. 'Such...that' is a common C2 structure for cause and effect.
Building a team that operates with mutual confidence is paramount for any organization aiming to achieve sustained success in a highly competitive global market.
Building a team with mutual confidence is paramount for sustained success.
'Mutual confidence' emphasizes shared trust. 'Paramount' is a C2-level adjective meaning of supreme importance.
She exuded an air of quiet confidence, a testament to years of rigorous training and an unshakeable belief in her own capabilities, which instantly put her audience at ease.
She exuded quiet confidence, a testament to training and belief in her capabilities.
'Exuded an air of' is a sophisticated way to describe someone projecting a feeling. 'A testament to' is a C2-level phrase.
The CEO's reassurances, delivered with an unmistakable tone of absolute confidence, were crucial in assuaging the investors' fears during the tumultuous financial crisis.
The CEO's reassurances, delivered with absolute confidence, calmed investors' fears.
'Unmistakable tone of absolute confidence' uses strong adjectives to describe the quality of her confidence. 'Assuaging' is a C2 verb meaning to make less intense.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that true leadership often stems from a deep well of self-confidence, coupled with the humility to acknowledge one's limitations.
True leadership stems from self-confidence and humility.
'Deep well of self-confidence' is an idiomatic expression. 'Coupled with' is a C2-level phrase meaning combined with.
He placed his full confidence in the intricate algorithms developed by his research team, confident they would accurately predict market fluctuations and mitigate potential risks.
He placed his full confidence in the algorithms, confident they would predict market fluctuations.
'Placed his full confidence in' signifies complete trust. The second 'confident' is an adjective, showing nuance in usage.
Regaining public confidence after such a significant scandal proved to be an arduous and protracted endeavor, requiring years of transparent operations and ethical conduct.
Regaining public confidence after the scandal was an arduous and protracted endeavor.
'Regaining public confidence' is a common collocation. 'Arduous' and 'protracted endeavor' are C2 vocabulary.
常见搭配
常用短语
in confidence
en confianza / confidencialmente
with confidence
con confianza
confidence trick
estafa
vote of confidence
voto de confianza
confidence booster
estimulante de la confianza
a crisis of confidence
una crisis de confianza
full of confidence
lleno de confianza
betray a confidence
traicionar una confidencia
restore confidence
restaurar la confianza
place confidence in
depositar confianza en
语法模式
习语与表达
"in confidence"
If you tell something to someone in confidence, you tell them intending that they will not tell anyone else.
She told him in confidence that she was looking for another job.
neutral"boost someone's confidence"
To increase someone's feeling of self-assurance or belief in their abilities.
Winning the competition really boosted her confidence.
neutral"bet the farm (on something)"
To risk everything you have on the success of something.
He's betting the farm on this new business venture.
informal"have every confidence in (someone/something)"
To completely trust and believe in someone or something.
I have every confidence in our team's ability to win.
neutral"a vote of confidence"
A formal expression of approval or support for a leader or a government.
The chairman received a vote of confidence from the board.
formal"take into one's confidence"
To trust someone enough to tell them your secrets or private thoughts.
She took her best friend into her confidence and told her about her problems.
neutral"a crisis of confidence"
A period of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities or about the future.
The company faced a crisis of confidence after the scandal.
neutral"false confidence"
A feeling of being confident that is not based on reality or actual ability.
His false confidence led him to make some bad decisions.
neutral"restore someone's confidence"
To bring back someone's feeling of self-assurance or belief.
The coach's encouragement helped to restore the player's confidence.
neutral"confidence trick"
A swindle in which the swindler wins the confidence of their victim.
He lost all his savings to a confidence trick.
neutral句型
have confidence in (someone or something)
I have great confidence in your ability to succeed.
gain/lose confidence
She started to gain confidence after practicing more.
lack confidence
He lacked the confidence to speak in public.
boost someone's confidence
A little encouragement can really boost a child's confidence.
in confidence
She told me her secret in confidence.
with confidence
He answered the questions with confidence.
confidence in oneself
Having confidence in oneself is important for personal growth.
a vote of confidence
The team gave their leader a vote of confidence.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
如何使用
Usage Notes:
Confidence in Abilities:
- "She has a lot of confidence in her ability to sing." (refers to self-belief)
- "His confidence grew with each successful project." (describes an increase in self-assurance)
Confidence in Truth/Fact:
- "I have complete confidence that the information is accurate." (belief in the truthfulness)
- "The scientists expressed their confidence in the experimental results." (belief in the validity)
Trust/Reliance (Interpersonal or with Entities):
- "I have full confidence in my doctor." (trust in a person)
- "The public lost confidence in the government after the scandal." (loss of trust in an entity)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- "Take someone into your confidence": To share a secret or private information with someone, trusting them not to reveal it. ("She took her best friend into her confidence about her plans to quit her job.")
- "In confidence": Privately and with the understanding that what is said should not be repeated. ("I'm telling you this in confidence, so please don't tell anyone else.")
Common Mistakes:
-
Confusing with 'Confidentiality': While related, 'confidence' is the feeling or state of trust, whereas 'confidentiality' refers to the state of being kept secret or private. Don't use 'confidence' when you mean 'confidentiality'.
- Incorrect: "Please treat this information with confidence."
- Correct: "Please treat this information with confidentiality." OR "I'm telling you this in confidence."
-
Incorrect Preposition Usage:
- Use "confidence in" when referring to belief in abilities, truth, or trust in a person/entity.
- Incorrect: "He has confidence on his skills."
- Correct: "He has confidence in his skills."
- When speaking about an increase or decrease, you might use "gain/lose confidence."
- Use "confidence in" when referring to belief in abilities, truth, or trust in a person/entity.
-
Overuse as an Adjective: 'Confidence' is a noun. When you need an adjective, use 'confident'.
- Incorrect: "She is a confidence person."
- Correct: "She is a confident person."
小贴士
Use it in a sentence
Try saying, 'I have confidence in my ability to learn English.' This helps you connect the word to your own experiences.
Practice pronunciation
Say 'confidence' out loud a few times. Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable: CON-fih-dence.
Identify synonyms
Words like 'self-assurance,' 'belief,' and 'faith' are similar to confidence. Understanding these connections can deepen your understanding.
Identify antonyms
The opposite of confidence might be 'doubt,' 'insecurity,' or 'hesitation.' Knowing antonyms helps define the word more clearly.
Look for collocations
Common phrases with confidence include 'boost your confidence,' 'gain confidence,' or 'lack confidence.' Learning these phrases helps you use the word naturally.
Create flashcards
Write 'confidence' on one side and its definition on the other. Add a small drawing or symbol to help you remember.
Relate it to real-life situations
Think about a time you felt a lot of confidence, or a time you needed to trust someone. How did that feeling manifest?
Watch or listen for it
Listen to English songs, podcasts, or watch TV shows. When you hear 'confidence,' try to understand it in context.
Use it in writing
Write a short paragraph about something you are good at, using the word 'confidence' at least once.
Review regularly
Come back to 'confidence' in a few days or weeks. Repetition is key for long-term memory.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Speaking in public often requires a good deal of confidence.
- gain confidence
- boost confidence
- lack of confidence
The team performed well, giving them confidence for the upcoming championship.
- tràn đầy tự tin
- mất tự tin
- xây dựng lòng tự tin
She had full confidence in her lawyer's ability to handle the case.
- place confidence in
- have confidence in
- express confidence
The company's innovative product launch instilled confidence in investors.
- restore confidence
- shake confidence
- undermine confidence
Building confidence in children is crucial for their development.
- self-confidence
- quiet confidence
- false confidence
对话开场白
"What helps you feel more confident in unfamiliar situations?"
"Can you think of a time when someone's confidence influenced a group's outcome?"
"How important do you think self-confidence is for success in different areas of life?"
"What are some ways to build confidence in others?"
"When is it good to have a lot of confidence, and when might too much confidence be a problem?"
日记主题
Describe a time when you felt very confident. What contributed to that feeling?
Reflect on a situation where you lacked confidence. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?
Write about someone you admire for their confidence. What qualities do they possess?
Consider how confidence can be both a strength and a weakness. Provide examples.
What steps can you take this week to increase your own confidence in one specific area of your life?
自我测试 66 个问题
She has ___ in her ability to sing well.
Confidence means feeling certain about your abilities.
It's important to have ___ in your friends.
Confidence can also mean trust in other people.
He spoke with a lot of ___ about his new idea.
Speaking with confidence means speaking with certainty and belief in what you are saying.
If you have confidence, you feel unsure about yourself.
Confidence means feeling certain about yourself, not unsure.
You can have confidence in a friend.
Confidence can refer to trusting another person.
Having confidence means you are afraid.
Confidence means feeling certain and brave, not afraid.
She has great ___ in her ability to pass the exam.
Confidence means believing in your abilities.
Which word means 'feeling sure about something'?
Confidence is the feeling of being certain.
He spoke with ___ about his plans for the future.
Speaking with confidence means speaking with certainty and belief.
If you have confidence, you feel unsure about yourself.
Confidence means feeling certain, not unsure.
It's good to have confidence when you try new things.
Having confidence helps you to believe in yourself when trying new things.
Building confidence means feeling less sure of yourself.
Building confidence means feeling more sure and secure in yourself.
This sentence describes someone believing in their own skill to succeed in a test.
This sentence means he spoke with a strong belief in what he was saying.
This sentence means the team trusted and believed in their coach.
Which of the following best describes someone with high confidence?
Confidence means feeling certain about your abilities, which leads to a positive outlook when facing challenges.
If you have confidence in a friend, what does that mean?
Confidence in another person means a state of trust or reliance on them.
Which situation would require the most confidence?
Giving a presentation to a large audience often requires a strong belief in one's own abilities and the truth of what they are presenting, which is confidence.
Having confidence means you never feel nervous.
Even confident people can feel nervous, but their confidence helps them manage those feelings and still perform well.
You can build your confidence by trying new things and succeeding.
Successfully trying new things can definitely increase your feeling of certainty about your own abilities.
It's always bad to have confidence in yourself.
Confidence in oneself is generally a positive trait that helps people achieve their goals and face challenges.
Listen for the word 'confidence' and its context.
Pay attention to what helped the speaker gain confidence.
Consider what is needed to build confidence.
Read this aloud:
It's important to have confidence in yourself.
Focus: con-fi-dence
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
I feel more confident when I'm well-prepared.
Focus: con-fi-dent
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Tell me about a time you felt a boost in your confidence.
Focus: con-fi-dence
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
After months of preparation, she felt a surge of ___ as she stepped onto the stage.
The context implies a positive feeling related to stepping onto a stage after preparation, making 'confidence' the best fit.
His ___ in the team's ability to win the championship never wavered.
The sentence suggests a strong belief in the team's success, which aligns with 'confidence'.
The new manager quickly gained the ___ of her employees through her fair and transparent leadership.
Fair and transparent leadership would lead to 'confidence' or trust from employees.
Despite the setbacks, her ___ that she would eventually succeed remained strong.
Even with setbacks, a strong belief in eventual success indicates 'confidence'.
He spoke with such ___ about his project that everyone in the room was convinced.
Speaking convincingly suggests a strong sense of 'confidence'.
Building customer ___ is crucial for any long-term business success.
For long-term business success, building 'confidence' or trust with customers is essential.
After weeks of practice, she gained the __________ to perform her piano piece in front of an audience.
Confidence refers to the feeling of being certain about one's abilities, which is necessary for performing in public.
The team's __________ grew with each victory, making them believe they could win the championship.
As the team won more, their belief in their ability to succeed increased, which is a demonstration of growing confidence.
Building __________ in a new relationship takes time and shared experiences.
Confidence in this context refers to a state of trust or reliance on another person, which is essential for a healthy relationship.
Lacking confidence can sometimes lead to hesitation in making decisions.
If someone lacks confidence, they may doubt their own judgment, leading to hesitation.
Displaying overconfidence is always a positive trait.
While confidence is generally positive, overconfidence can lead to recklessness or underestimation of challenges.
A strong level of confidence is crucial for effective public speaking.
Speakers who exude confidence are often perceived as more credible and engaging, which is important for effective public speaking.
Write a short paragraph about a time you felt a strong sense of confidence in yourself. What was the situation, and how did it make you feel?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I remember feeling a strong sense of confidence when I gave a presentation to a large audience. I had prepared thoroughly and knew my material inside and out. As I spoke, I could feel my self-assurance growing, and I delivered the presentation with conviction. It was a truly empowering experience.
Imagine a scenario where someone has lost their confidence. Write a short email offering them encouragement and advice on how to regain it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Subject: Thinking of you! Hi [Name], I heard you've been feeling a bit down lately, and I wanted to reach out. It's completely normal to lose confidence sometimes, but I truly believe in your strength and ability to overcome this. Remember all the amazing things you've accomplished. Take small steps, focus on your successes, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You've got this! Best, [Your Name]
Describe a situation where a lack of confidence in others led to a negative outcome. What could have been done differently?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In a previous project, a team member's lack of confidence in another's abilities led to a critical task being delayed. Instead of delegating, the first team member tried to do everything themselves, resulting in burnout and missed deadlines. If there had been more trust and open communication, they could have collaborated effectively and completed the task on time.
According to the passage, what is NOT a way to build confidence?
Read this passage:
Building confidence takes time and effort, but the rewards are immense. It involves recognizing your strengths, accepting your weaknesses, and constantly pushing your boundaries. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and celebrating small victories can significantly boost your self-belief.
According to the passage, what is NOT a way to build confidence?
The passage states that building confidence involves 'accepting your weaknesses,' not ignoring them.
The passage states that building confidence involves 'accepting your weaknesses,' not ignoring them.
What is the main idea of this passage?
Read this passage:
Confidence is not about being arrogant; it's about having a realistic and positive belief in your own capabilities. It allows you to take on new challenges, recover from setbacks, and express yourself authentically. True confidence is often quiet and understated.
What is the main idea of this passage?
The passage highlights how confidence enables individuals to take on challenges, recover from setbacks, and express themselves, while contrasting it with arrogance.
The passage highlights how confidence enables individuals to take on challenges, recover from setbacks, and express themselves, while contrasting it with arrogance.
What was the primary reason for the team's success?
Read this passage:
The team's success in the championship was largely attributed to the unwavering confidence they had in their coach's strategy. Even when they were behind, they trusted his decisions and executed the plan flawlessly, ultimately leading to their victory.
What was the primary reason for the team's success?
The passage explicitly states that their success was 'largely attributed to the unwavering confidence they had in their coach's strategy.'
The passage explicitly states that their success was 'largely attributed to the unwavering confidence they had in their coach's strategy.'
After years of meticulous research, the scientist presented her findings with utmost ______, knowing her data was irrefutable.
The context implies the scientist is sure of her findings, which aligns with 'confidence' meaning 'being certain about the truth of something'.
Despite the team's initial setbacks, the coach expressed unwavering ______ in their ability to still win the championship.
The coach believes in the team's capabilities, fitting the definition of 'confidence' as 'being certain about your own abilities'.
The CEO's calm demeanor and clear vision instilled a sense of ______ among the anxious shareholders during the economic downturn.
The CEO's actions created a feeling of trust and reliance among the shareholders, which is a meaning of 'confidence'.
Displaying overconfidence can sometimes lead to underestimating challenges and potential pitfalls.
While confidence is generally positive, excessive confidence can indeed lead to a false sense of security and a lack of preparedness.
A lack of confidence in one's own skills can hinder personal growth and professional development.
When individuals don't believe in their abilities, they are less likely to take on new challenges or pursue opportunities for improvement, thus hindering growth.
Building confidence primarily involves avoiding any situations that might lead to failure or criticism.
While self-preservation is natural, true confidence is often built by facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and gradually overcoming obstacles, rather than avoiding them entirely.
Compose a persuasive essay arguing for the importance of self-confidence in achieving professional success. Support your claims with compelling evidence and logical reasoning.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In the cutthroat arena of modern professional life, self-confidence emerges not merely as a desirable trait but as an indispensable prerequisite for achieving sustained success. It is the bedrock upon which an individual's self-efficacy is built, enabling them to tackle formidable challenges with an unwavering belief in their capabilities. This inner conviction fosters resilience, transforming setbacks into learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles. Moreover, a confident professional naturally exudes an assertiveness that is crucial for effective communication, negotiation, and decision-making, distinguishing them as a leader rather than a follower. True professional development, therefore, is inextricably linked to the cultivation of a robust sense of self-confidence, allowing individuals to navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and ultimately carve out a path to unparalleled professional accomplishment.
Write a short story (approximately 250-300 words) where a character's lack of confidence significantly impacts a crucial decision or event, leading to an unexpected outcome. Explore the internal monologue and external consequences of their self-doubt.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Elara’s fingers hovered over the 'submit' button, her heart hammering an erratic rhythm against her ribs. The grant proposal, meticulously crafted over months, represented her magnum opus, a revolutionary concept that could genuinely alter the course of renewable energy research. Yet, a creeping tendril of self-doubt whispered insidious questions: 'Is it truly original enough? Am I truly capable of leading this? What if I fail?' Her advisor's enthusiastic words about her genius faded into the background, drowned out by the internal cacophony. She pictured the esteemed panel of judges, their discerning gazes dissecting her work, finding fault, dismissing her. A minute stretched into an eternity. With a shaky breath, she closed the application, opting instead for a less ambitious, safer project she had as a fallback. The unexpected outcome? The other, equally innovative proposal, submitted by a colleague with perhaps less talent but undeniably more nerve, received the funding. Elara watched from the sidelines, a bitter taste of regret lingering on her tongue, a stark lesson in the devastating power of unaddressed self-doubt.
Analyze a historical or contemporary public figure who, in your opinion, demonstrated exceptional confidence in overcoming adversity. Discuss the specific actions and attitudes that exemplify their confidence and its impact on their achievements.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nelson Mandela stands as an exemplary figure whose unwavering confidence, even in the face of decades of unjust incarceration and systemic oppression, indelibly shaped the destiny of a nation. His refusal to compromise on his principles of equality and justice, despite immense personal suffering, showcased an extraordinary inner conviction. Mandela’s actions, from his defiant statements in court to his steadfast negotiation from prison, were rooted in an unshakeable belief in the righteousness of his cause and the ultimate triumph of humanity over prejudice. This profound confidence was not born of arrogance but of a deep moral clarity and an understanding of his historical role. It enabled him to inspire millions, both within South Africa and globally, to continue the fight against apartheid. The profound impact of his confidence is evident in the peaceful transition to a democratic South Africa and his enduring legacy as a global icon of reconciliation and hope, proving that true confidence can indeed move mountains and reshape the fabric of society.
According to the passage, what is the primary distinction between epistemic confidence and self-efficacy?
Read this passage:
In the realm of advanced psychological theory, the concept of 'epistemic confidence' delineates an individual's belief in the accuracy and reliability of their own knowledge. This form of confidence is distinct from self-efficacy, which pertains to one's belief in their ability to execute tasks. Epistemic confidence profoundly influences cognitive processes such as decision-making, problem-solving, and the assimilation of new information, particularly when individuals are confronted with ambiguous or contradictory data. A robust epistemic confidence can foster intellectual resilience, allowing for sustained inquiry even in the face of uncertainty, while a deficiency might lead to undue deference to external authority or an inability to form independent judgments.
According to the passage, what is the primary distinction between epistemic confidence and self-efficacy?
The passage explicitly states: 'epistemic confidence' delineates an individual's belief in the accuracy and reliability of their own knowledge. This form of confidence is distinct from self-efficacy, which pertains to one's belief in their ability to execute tasks.
The passage explicitly states: 'epistemic confidence' delineates an individual's belief in the accuracy and reliability of their own knowledge. This form of confidence is distinct from self-efficacy, which pertains to one's belief in their ability to execute tasks.
What is the central argument presented in the passage regarding confidence in market economies?
Read this passage:
The historical evolution of 'confidence' as a socio-economic construct reveals its pivotal role in the functioning of market economies. Early economists posited that 'consumer confidence' and 'investor confidence' are not merely psychological states but tangible forces driving economic activity. When these aggregate levels of confidence are high, consumers are more inclined to spend and investors to commit capital, thereby stimulating growth. Conversely, a pervasive lack of confidence can precipitate recessions or even depressions, as fear and uncertainty lead to decreased consumption and investment. Governments and central banks often employ policy instruments designed to bolster public confidence during periods of economic instability, recognizing its profound impact on economic trajectories.
What is the central argument presented in the passage regarding confidence in market economies?
The passage argues that 'consumer confidence' and 'investor confidence' are 'tangible forces driving economic activity' and that 'Governments and central banks often employ policy instruments designed to bolster public confidence'.
The passage argues that 'consumer confidence' and 'investor confidence' are 'tangible forces driving economic activity' and that 'Governments and central banks often employ policy instruments designed to bolster public confidence'.
According to the passage, what would be the consequence of lacking 'foundational confidence'?
Read this passage:
Philosophical discourse often grapples with the notion of 'foundational confidence' — the inherent trust or belief that humans place in the coherence and predictability of the external world, independent of empirical validation. This fundamental confidence allows for practical engagement with reality, guiding everyday actions and undergirding scientific inquiry itself. Without a baseline foundational confidence, radical skepticism would render all knowledge acquisition impossible, reducing human experience to a series of isolated, uninterpretable phenomena. Epistemologists continue to debate the origins and justification of this primal trust, considering whether it is an innate cognitive disposition or a culturally constructed phenomenon.
According to the passage, what would be the consequence of lacking 'foundational confidence'?
The passage states: 'Without a baseline foundational confidence, radical skepticism would render all knowledge acquisition impossible'.
The passage states: 'Without a baseline foundational confidence, radical skepticism would render all knowledge acquisition impossible'.
This order forms a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence describing how a leader's steady behavior can inspire trust.
This sentence explores the contrast between someone's bold statements and a potentially false appearance of self-assurance.
This sentence illustrates a stubborn belief in something questionable, highlighting an extreme form of confidence.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Confidence is the strong belief in one's own capabilities or the reliability of something or someone else.
- self-assurance
- belief in truth
- trust
Use it in a sentence
Try saying, 'I have confidence in my ability to learn English.' This helps you connect the word to your own experiences.
Practice pronunciation
Say 'confidence' out loud a few times. Pay attention to the stress on the first syllable: CON-fih-dence.
Identify synonyms
Words like 'self-assurance,' 'belief,' and 'faith' are similar to confidence. Understanding these connections can deepen your understanding.
Identify antonyms
The opposite of confidence might be 'doubt,' 'insecurity,' or 'hesitation.' Knowing antonyms helps define the word more clearly.
