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n. 1. a. A belief or conviction that an outcome will be favorable: I have every confidence that we can find a solution. b. Belief in the certainty of something: The engineers determined with confidence that the ship could withstand heavy seas. 2. Belief in the effectiveness of one's own abilities or in one's favorable acceptance by others; self-confidence. 3. Trust or faith in a person or thing: We are placing our confidence in you to get the job done. See Synonyms at trust. 4. A trusting relationship: I took them into my confidence. 5. a. That which is confided; a secret: A friend does not betray confidences. b. A feeling of assurance that a confidant will keep a secret: I am telling you this in strict confidence. adj. Of, relating to, or involving a swindle or fraud: a confidence scheme; a confidence trickster. |
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