Plural of confidence; secrets or private matters that someone tells to another person in trust, or feelings of trust and belief in someone.
From Latin 'confidentia' meaning 'trust' or 'assurance,' derived from 'confidere' (to trust completely), composed of 'con-' (with) plus 'fidere' (to trust). The word has meant both trust and secrets since medieval times.
The phrase 'confidence trick' or 'con game' comes from this meaning—con artists build 'confidence' (trust) with their victims before stealing from them, which is why we call these criminals 'con men,' a term that specifically emphasizes the breach of trust.
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