confidential
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
meant to be kept secret and not told to other people.
intended to be kept secret or private; restricted to a specific circle of individuals.
Simple“The doctor kept all of his patient's medical records in a confidential file.”
In context“The 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.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
someone 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.
Simple“He served as a confidential clerk to the governor for many years.”
In context“In the nineteenth-century novel, the protagonist relies heavily on his confidential servant to manage his private affairs and delicate correspondence.”
Antonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
speaking in a quiet, private way as if sharing a secret.
characterised by the sharing of confidences or an intimate, private manner of communication.
Simple“She leaned in and spoke in a low, confidential whisper.”
In context“The two friends retreated to the corner of the library, their voices dropping into the confidential tone of those sharing long-held secrets.”
confidential vs confident — Confident describes a person's self-assurance, while confidential describes information that must be kept secret.
“It says its free and confidential telephone helpline, email and web chat service helped more than 30,000 people last year.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on (01) 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
From Latin confidentia + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.