adv. [f. CONFIDENT a. + -LY2.] In a confident manner; with confidence; with firm trust, belief, or assurance; boldly, unhesitatingly; without doubt or diffidence.

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1597.  Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxviii. § 4. Confidently from thence to conclude the necessity.

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1611.  Bible, Luke xxii. 59. Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a trueth this fellow also was with him.

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1664.  Evelyn, Kal. Hort. (1729), 198. Trust not … the Nights too confidently, unless the Weather be thoroughly settled.

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a. 1800.  Cowper, Refl. on Hor. Where duty bids he confidently steers.

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1866.  Geo. Eliot, F. Holt, xxxvi. He had counted confidently on Harold’s ready seizure of his offer.

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