What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cocky
Example
He always walks around with a cocky attitude, thinking he's better than everyone else. [cocky: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a cocky tone, bragging about her accomplishments. [cocky: noun]
overconfident
Example
He was overconfident in his ability to win the race, but ended up finishing last. [overconfident: adjective]
Example
Her overconfidence led her to make reckless decisions without considering the consequences. [overconfidence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cocky is more commonly used than overconfident in everyday language. Cocky is often used in informal conversations and storytelling, while overconfident is more frequently employed in formal settings such as academic or professional discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cocky and overconfident?
While cocky is associated with a more casual and informal tone, overconfident can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Overconfident is more versatile and can be employed in situations where a higher level of formality is required.