Word
confidentially
Phoneticscon·fi·den·tial·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəɫi/
UK/kˌɒnfɪdˈɛnʃəlˌi/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a private way that you do not share with other people.
adv. in a way intended to be kept secret or private, with an expectation of non-disclosure.
Examples
“She tells me everything confidentially and I keep it private.”
“He speaks to his lawyer confidentially about the contract before signing anything.”
“The report notes that witnesses spoke confidentially because they feared losing their jobs if their names became public.”
Examples
simple
“She tells me everything confidentially and I keep it private.”
contextual
“He speaks to his lawyer confidentially about the contract before signing anything.”
complex
“The report notes that witnesses spoke confidentially because they feared losing their jobs if their names became public.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “confidentially” in context.
Verb
01. admit confidentially
“The official admitted confidentially that the talks had stalled.”
verb + adverb
02. consult confidentially
“You can consult confidentially with a lawyer before deciding.”
verb + adverb
03. handle confidentially
“All complaints will be handled confidentially by our team.”
verb + adverb
04. inform confidentially
“Staff were informed confidentially about the upcoming restructuring.”
verb + adverb
05. speak confidentially
“She asked to speak confidentially to the manager about the issue.”
verb + adverb
06. tell confidentially
“He told me confidentially that he was planning to resign.”
verb + adverb
07. treat confidentially
“Your medical records will be treated confidentially.”
verb + adverb
08. admit confidentially that
“He admitted confidentially that the company was in trouble.”
09. handle the matter confidentially
“We assure you we will handle the matter confidentially.”
10. speak to someone confidentially
“She spoke to her boss confidentially about the harassment.”
11. tell me confidentially
“Tell me confidentially, are you happy in your current role?”
12. treat all information confidentially
“The bank promises to treat all information confidentially.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; sentence-initial use signals a private aside to the listener.
Real-World Examples
“If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods.” “The video evidence contradicting his claim was only made available, confidentially, to the court a year later - and placed on the public docket on 4 September this year.” Etymology
From confidential + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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