mere confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where confidence is present but may be perceived as insufficient or lacking substance. Example: "His mere confidence in his abilities did not convince the panel of judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, it takes more than mere confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In addition, because an entrepreneurial self-efficacy construct consists of such factors as innovation, marketing, management, risk taking, and financial controls, an entrepreneur's preparedness becomes more challenging than a mere self-confidence and personal motivation.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

One may think his answer was mere youthful confidence, but it was later demonstrated to be a true reflection of his character.

The Guardian - Sport

The Wall Street Journal had run a pair of front-page articles saying that he was a boob whose mere presence undermined confidence in the financial markets.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in the chamber, he squeaked through by a mere three votes.The confidence votes were held against a background of opposition claims that Italy's billionaire prime minister had secured his margin by buying support, either with promises of high office or with cash.

The Economist

Why this should be so is still opaque.These uncertainties do not turn global warming into a mere scare story or confidence trick, but they do create confusion.

The Economist

On the other hand, if we come to believe that some moral belief of ours reflects partiality or the influence of mere distance, we lose confidence in it.

SEP

Observing an entire module of highly co-expressed genes, each represented by an independent probe, all increasing a mere 1.1 fold adds confidence to this small change.

BMC Genomics

We cannot exclude the possibility that infection at PLE onset is a mere coincidence, albeit present in the majority (seven of eight patients; 95% confidence interval, 47 99%).

Critical Care

I felt that the best way of not taking part in the conversation was to say nothing, to behave as if I were the mere repository of his confidences, without offering any objections or advice, without refuting or agreeing or being shocked.

The New Yorker

Although not everything about this passage is perfectly clear, it does seem that Descartes gives a negative answer to the question whether machines can think; and, moreover, it seems that his giving this negative answer is tied to his confidence that no mere machine could pass The Turing Test: no mere machine could talk and act in the way in which adult human beings do.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere confidence" to subtly indicate that while confidence exists, it may not be enough to guarantee success or address the situation fully. It often sets up a contrast with what is actually needed.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "mere confidence" in situations demanding tangible skills, resources, or experience. Acknowledge the need for more than just belief in one's abilities to achieve a desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere confidence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "mere" modifies the noun "confidence". It typically implies that the level of confidence is basic or perhaps inadequate on its own. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere confidence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that confidence, while present, might not be enough on its own. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's often contrasted with other necessary elements like skills, resources, or experience. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for news, science, and business contexts. Remember to use "mere confidence" when you want to subtly suggest that something more than just belief is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple confidence

Focuses on the unadorned nature of the confidence, without necessarily implying insufficiency.

just confidence

Implies that the confidence is adequate, but nothing more.

only confidence

Highlights that nothing besides confidence is present or required.

basic confidence

Suggests a rudimentary or fundamental level of confidence.

sheer confidence

Emphasizes the magnitude or purity of the confidence, often in a surprising way.

plain confidence

Indicates that the confidence is straightforward and unpretentious.

unadulterated confidence

Highlights the purity and lack of additional factors influencing the confidence.

unaccompanied confidence

Focuses on the confidence existing without other supporting elements.

pure confidence

Suggests confidence that is undiluted or unmixed with doubt or hesitation.

naked confidence

Expresses confidence that is bare and unshielded, perhaps vulnerable.

FAQs

How can "mere confidence" be used effectively in writing?

Use "mere confidence" to imply that while confidence is present, it's insufficient on its own. It often sets up a contrast with something more substantial that is required.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "mere confidence"?

You can use alternatives such as "simple confidence", "just confidence", or "only confidence" depending on the context.

In what situations is "mere confidence" not enough?

"Mere confidence" is typically insufficient in situations requiring tangible skills, resources, or experience. It highlights the need for something beyond belief in one's abilities.

Is there a difference between "mere confidence" and "<a href=/s/sheer+confidence" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">sheer confidence"?

"Mere confidence" suggests a basic level of confidence that may not be sufficient, while "<a href=/s/sheer+confidence" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">sheer confidence" emphasizes the magnitude or surprising nature of the confidence.