Confidently

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑnfɪdəntli/

Definitions

1. In a way that demonstrates self-assuredness and certainty about one's beliefs or actions
2. In a manner that reflects a strong sense of assurance and certainty regarding one's abilities or decisions
3. In a manner showing clear belief in oneself and certainty in what is done

Etymology: "Confidently" is simply "confident" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached, and the suffix itself has a long pedigree. Its ancestor is a Germanic word for "body" or "form," which is why "-ly" once meant "having the form of" before it came to mark manner. In Old English the suffix appeared as "-līce," which was attached to adjectives to turn them into adverbs describing how something happened. "Confident" traces back through Latin, where "confidens" meant "trusting" or "bold," built from the prefix "con-" and the verb "fidere," to trust. The English adjective came from that Latin root, so "confidently" is a Latin-derived stem wearing a Germanic ending.

Synonyms: assuredly, certainly, securely, boldly, unhesitatingly

Antonyms: uncertainly, doubtfully, timidly, apprehensively, hesitantly