confidential
adj.-
1 secret (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatemeant to be kept secret and not told to other people.
intended to be kept secret or private; restricted to a specific circle of individuals.
ExampleThe doctor kept all of his patient's medical records in a confidential file.
ExampleThe legal team reminded all staff that the details of the settlement were strictly confidential and could not be discussed with the press.
UsageOften used in professional contexts like law, medicine, and business.
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2 trustworthy (adj.) C2 Proficiency Archaicsomeone who is trusted with secrets or a job that requires great trust.
occupying a position of trust or being worthy of being trusted with private information.
ExampleHe served as a confidential clerk to the governor for many years.
ExampleIn the nineteenth-century novel, the protagonist relies heavily on his confidential servant to manage his private affairs and delicate correspondence.
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3 intimate tone (adj.) C2 Proficiency Literaryspeaking in a quiet, private way as if sharing a secret.
characterised by the sharing of confidences or an intimate, private manner of communication.
ExampleShe leaned in and spoke in a low, confidential whisper.
ExampleThe two friends retreated to the corner of the library, their voices dropping into the confidential tone of those sharing long-held secrets.
From Latin confidentia + -al.
- Nounconfidentiality
- Adjectiveconfidential