confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment.
confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.
the confidence that comes from long experience
assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.
handled the cross-examination with complete assurance
self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.
answered the insolent question with complete self-possession
aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.
handled the reporters with great aplomb
Example Sentences
They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon. He has the assurance of continued support from his boss. He spoke with quiet assurance about his future plans. She gave him every assurance that she would be there when he returned.
Recent Examples on the WebAnyone looking for any tangible assurance of Pac-12 stability on Friday was left wanting more.oregonlive, 29 July 2022 For extra assurance, first put the brown sugar in a resealable plastic bag (with the air all squeezed out) before placing it in your air-tight container. Taylor Worden, Good Housekeeping, 21 July 2022 For extra assurance, purchase a second, fully-refundable ticket for a flight scheduled two to three hours later. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 June 2022 For assurance of a spot on the boat, call for reservations (419-734-1143) or show up early for the 7 a.m. or 2 p.m. departures.cleveland, 3 June 2022 This is a scientific literacy problem, magnified by publishers’ hunger for clicks and marketers’ assurance that no one’s going to fact-check their often extravagantly outsize claims. Max Falkowitz, Bon Appétit, 5 May 2022 Employees are looking to their workplace leaders for assurance, direction and support. Rob Catalano, Forbes, 2 May 2022 Oklahoma Christian has submitted a request for assurance of religious exemption under certain conditions more than once, according to the documents on the Department of Education website. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2022 For some quantitative assurance, the pork temperature should read in the range of 170 or 180 degrees on a thermometer, or closer to 200 degrees for something that approximates pulled pork. Murat Oztaskin, Outside Online, 10 July 2021 See More