What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrift
Example
The penitent sought shrift from the priest for his sins. [shrift: noun]
Example
She went to shrift to confess her sins and seek forgiveness. [shrift: verb]
confession
Example
He made a confession to the police about his involvement in the crime. [confession: noun]
Example
She confessed to her friend that she had lied about her whereabouts. [confessed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confession is more commonly used than shrift in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and applications. Shrift is less common and is mainly used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrift and confession?
Shrift is more formal and archaic compared to confession, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
