Word

confession

noun C1

/kənˈfɛʃən/

Meanings

noun

a statement in which someone admits that they did something wrong or illegal

noun

a personal admission of something private, such as a secret or true feelings

Definition

A confession is a statement in which someone admits that they have done something wrong or that they feel guilty about it.

A confession is an admission of a fault, mistake, or wrongdoing, often made openly to another person or to the public. It can be spoken or written and may come after pressure, reflection, or a desire to be honest. People also use the word for a private, personal admission that reveals true feelings or secrets.

Examples

After weeks of denying it, he finally gave a confession that clarified what had happened that night.
Her confession during the team meeting shifted the discussion from blame to practical solutions.
I treated the email as a quiet confession that I had been avoiding the harder conversation.
Their confession of doubt made the proposal feel more honest, even if it was less polished.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse confession (an admission) with confidence (trust), so avoid saying “in confidence” when you mean “as a confession.”