Ask Difference

Arrogance vs. Confidence — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023
Arrogance is an inflated sense of self-importance often paired with a lack of regard for others. Confidence is a self-assured sense of one's abilities without dismissing others. Both traits relate to self-perception but differ in humility and empathy.
Arrogance vs. Confidence — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Arrogance and Confidence

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Key Differences

Arrogance is characterized by an exaggerated sense of one's own abilities or worth, often at the expense of others. This trait can manifest as dismissiveness, entitlement, or a lack of empathy. Confidence, by contrast, is a positive quality where an individual is self-assured but also open to feedback and respectful of others. Both are attitudes toward oneself and others, but they differ significantly in the degree of respect they afford to other people.
The linguistic usage of arrogance and confidence also varies. Arrogance is most commonly used as a noun, while confidence can be a noun or an adjective (confident). Arrogance has a distinctly negative connotation, indicating an unlikable quality. Confidence, on the other hand, has a positive connotation, often suggesting a trait to be admired.
Arrogance often leads to poor interpersonal relations because it signifies a lack of emotional intelligence. On the other hand, confidence tends to foster good interpersonal relations as it often comes with emotional intelligence, including empathy, active listening, and the ability to collaborate. Confidence encourages cooperation, while arrogance often demands subservience.
In summary, while arrogance and confidence both relate to how individuals perceive their own abilities, they are divergent in how they interact with others. Arrogance is detrimental to effective social interaction and often results in conflict. Confidence is conducive to healthy relationships and positive outcomes, demonstrating a balance between self-assurance and a respect for others.

Comparison Chart

Connotation

Negative
Positive
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Linguistic Role

Primarily a noun
Noun and an adjective (confident)

Interpersonal Impact

Often detrimental
Usually beneficial

Relation to Others

Dismissive or entitled
Respectful and open

Emotional Intelligence

Typically low
Typically high

Compare with Definitions

Arrogance

A dismissive attitude toward the opinions of others.
Her arrogance left no room for debate.

Confidence

A self-assured belief in one's own abilities.
Her confidence shone when she delivered the speech flawlessly.

Arrogance

An overestimation of one's own abilities.
His arrogance cost him the match because he refused to practice.

Confidence

Emotional resilience in the face of challenges.
His confidence helped him stay calm during the crisis.

Arrogance

A sense of entitlement without merit.
His arrogance led him to believe he deserved the promotion over others.

Confidence

A positive and realistic self-view.
Her confidence allowed her to tackle tasks without hesitation.

Arrogance

A lack of empathy or consideration for others.
Her arrogance made her indifferent to her friends' problems.

Confidence

Balanced self-assurance without ego.
Her confidence was rooted in competence, not arrogance.

Arrogance

An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
His arrogance made him underestimate his opponents.

Confidence

Openness to feedback while maintaining self-belief.
His confidence made him an excellent team player.

Arrogance

The quality of being arrogant
The arrogance of this man is astounding

Confidence

Confidence is a state of being clear-headed either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Confidence comes from a Latin word 'fidere' which means "to trust"; therefore, having self-confidence is having trust in one's self.

Arrogance

The state or quality of being arrogant; overbearing pride.

Confidence

The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something
We had every confidence in the staff
He had gained the young man's confidence

Arrogance

The state of being arrogant; a type of extreme or foolish pride in which someone feels much superior to another.

Confidence

The telling of private matters or secrets with mutual trust
Someone with whom you may raise your suspicions in confidence

Arrogance

The act or habit of arrogating, or making undue claims in an overbearing manner; that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims of rank, dignity, estimation, or power, or which exalts the worth or importance of the person to an undue degree; proud contempt of others; lordliness; haughtiness; self-assumption; presumption.
I hate not you for her proud arrogance.

Confidence

A belief or conviction that an outcome will be favorable
I have every confidence that we can find a solution.

Arrogance

Overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors

Confidence

Belief in the certainty of something
The engineers determined with confidence that the ship could withstand heavy seas.

Confidence

Belief in the effectiveness of one's own abilities or in one's favorable acceptance by others; self-confidence.

Confidence

Trust or faith in a person or thing
We are placing our confidence in you to get the job done.

Confidence

A trusting relationship
I took them into my confidence.

Confidence

That which is confided; a secret
A friend does not betray confidences.

Confidence

A feeling of assurance that a confidant will keep a secret
I am telling you this in strict confidence.

Confidence

Of, relating to, or involving a swindle or fraud
A confidence scheme.
A confidence trickster.

Confidence

Self-assurance.

Confidence

A feeling of certainty; firm trust or belief; faith.

Confidence

Information held in secret; a piece of information shared but to thence be kept in secret.

Confidence

(dated) Boldness; presumption.

Confidence

The act of confiding, trusting, or putting faith in; trust; reliance; belief; - formerly followed by of, now commonly by in.
Society is built upon trust, and trust upon confidence of one another's integrity.
A cheerful confidence in the mercy of God.

Confidence

That in which faith is put or reliance had.
The Lord shall be thy confidence.

Confidence

Trustful; without fear or suspicion; frank; unreserved.
Be confident to speak, Northumberland;We three are but thyself.

Confidence

The state of mind characterized by one's reliance on himself, or his circumstances; a feeling of self-sufficiency; such assurance as leads to a feeling of security; self-reliance; - often with self prefixed.
Your wisdom is consumed in confidence;Do not go forth to-day.
But confidence then bore thee on secureEither to meet no danger, or to findMatter of glorious trial.

Confidence

Having self-reliance; bold; undaunted.
As confident as is the falcon's flightAgainst a bird, do I with Mowbray fight.

Confidence

Private conversation; (pl.) secrets shared; as, there were confidences between them.
Sir, I desire some confidence with you.
I am confident that very much be done.

Confidence

Having an excess of assurance; bold to a fault; dogmatical; impudent; presumptuous.
The fool rageth and is confident.

Confidence

Giving occasion for confidence.
The cause was more confident than the event was prosperous.

Confidence

Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities;
His assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
After that failure he lost his confidence
She spoke with authority

Confidence

A feeling of trust (in someone or something);
I have confidence in our team
Confidence is always borrowed, never owned

Confidence

A state of confident hopefulness that events will be favorable;
Public confidence in the economy

Confidence

A trustful relationship;
He took me into his confidence
He betrayed their trust

Confidence

A secret that is confided or entrusted to another;
Everyone trusted him with their confidences
The priest could not reveal her confidences

Common Curiosities

Is Arrogance Always Negative?

Generally, arrogance is perceived as a negative trait because it tends to harm relationships.

How Do Arrogance and Confidence Affect Relationships?

Arrogance usually strains relationships, while confidence often strengthens them.

Can Confidence Turn Into Arrogance?

Yes, if not tempered with humility and openness, confidence can evolve into arrogance.

What is Arrogance?

Arrogance is an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a lack of regard for others.

Is Confidence Always Positive?

While generally positive, overconfidence can lead to negative outcomes if it becomes excessive.

Can Arrogance be Mistaken for Confidence?

Yes, arrogance can sometimes be mistaken for confidence, but it lacks the humility and respect that come with genuine confidence.

How to Develop Confidence Without Arrogance?

Focusing on self-improvement, openness to feedback, and empathy can help develop confidence without arrogance.

What is Confidence?

Confidence is a self-assured belief in one's abilities, paired with respect for others.

Is Arrogance Linked to Insecurity?

Sometimes, arrogance can be a defense mechanism for underlying insecurities.

Can Arrogance be Reduced?

Yes, through self-awareness, humility, and empathy, one can work on reducing arrogance.

How Do Arrogance and Confidence Affect Leadership?

Arrogance in leadership often leads to poor decisions and low morale, while confidence fosters trust and cooperation.

Is Confidence the Opposite of Insecurity?

Generally, yes; confidence usually indicates a lack of significant insecurities.

Is Confidence Related to Competence?

Often, yes; confidence is usually built upon a foundation of competence and ability.

How Can I Tell if Someone is Arrogant or Confident?

Arrogance dismisses or belittles others, while confidence respects and listens to them.

What is the Linguistic Role of Arrogance and Confidence?

Arrogance is primarily a noun, while confidence can function as both a noun and an adjective (confident).

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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