What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confidential
Example
Please keep this document confidential and do not share it with anyone else. [confidential: adjective]
Example
The therapist assured the patient that their conversation would remain confidential. [confidential: noun]
secret
Example
The spy had a secret mission to gather information from the enemy. [secret: adjective]
Example
I can't tell you my secret, or it wouldn't be a secret anymore. [secret: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confidential is more commonly used in professional or legal contexts, while secret is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations. However, both words are relatively common and important for ESL learners to understand.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confidential and secret?
Confidential has a more formal connotation and is often used in professional or legal contexts, while secret can be used in a wider range of formality levels, including informal or playful conversations.
