selfassured

Selfassured is an adjective used to describe a person who displays confidence in their abilities or character. A self-assured individual typically exudes calm conviction and trust in their judgments, often in situations that require decision-making or public speaking. The term can apply to a person’s demeanor, speech, or behavior, and it is generally seen as a positive trait when it conveys steadiness and competence.

Usage may vary: while self-assuredness is often linked to poise and competence, it can be perceived as arrogance if accompanied by dismissiveness or overconfidence. The nuance depends on context, tone, and the degree of restraint shown by the person described. It is commonly contrasted with insecurity or self-doubt and is closely related to the concept of self-confidence.

Etymology: The word is formed from self- plus assured; “assured” derives from the sense of being confident or certain, with historical ties to the notion of assurance and the verb assure. In modern English, self-assured is often hyphenated, with “self-assurance” as the noun form and “self-assuredness” as another noun variant.

Related terms include self-confidence and self-assurance; synonyms such as poised, self-possessed; and antonyms such as insecure or diffident. The exact connotation can vary across contexts, but the core meaning centers on a stable, affirmative sense of one’s own abilities or worth.