confess Definition
- 1admit or acknowledge something reluctantly, typically because one feels slightly ashamed or embarrassed
- 2declare one's sins formally to a priest
- 3admit or acknowledge a crime to the police or in court
Using confess: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "confess" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He confessed his love for her.
Example
She confessed that she had stolen the money.
Example
The prisoner confessed to the murder.
Example
I must confess that I don't know the answer.
confess Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using confess
Example
He went to the church to confess his sins to the priest.
Example
Under intense questioning, he finally confessed all.
confess up
admit to something, especially something one has done wrong or is embarrassed about
Example
It's time for you to confess up and tell the truth about what happened.
Phrases with confess
a statement of Christian beliefs, especially as presented by Protestant churches
Example
The congregation recited the confession of faith together.
a legal agreement in which a debtor agrees to let a creditor obtain a judgment against them without notice or a hearing
Example
The defendant signed a confession of judgment, allowing the plaintiff to collect the debt.
an acknowledgment of a mistake or incorrect action
Example
The company issued a confession of error and promised to correct the issue.
Origins of confess
from Old French 'confesser', from Latin 'confiteri', meaning 'acknowledge, confess'
Summary: confess in Brief
To 'confess' [kənˈfɛs] means to admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly or with shame. It can refer to admitting wrongdoing or revealing secrets, exemplified by 'He confessed his love for her.' 'Confess' also has legal implications, such as 'The prisoner confessed to the murder.' Idioms like 'confess all' and 'confess up' emphasize the act of revealing everything, while 'confession of faith' refers to a statement of Christian beliefs.
