Confessions: meaning, definitions and examples

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confessions

[kənˈfɛʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personal secrets

Confessions are personal secrets or admissions, usually about something wrong or embarrassing that a person has done. It often involves sharing these secrets with someone else, such as a priest or therapist, as a form of seeking forgiveness or emotional release.

Synonyms

admissions, disclosures, revelations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
confessions	Typically used in situations where someone admits to a fault, wrongdoing, or crime, often in a solemn or serious manner. Can be used in both formal and informal settings, and often carries a sense of relief or guilt. He made a confession to the police about his involvement in the crime. During the therapy session, she had a heartfelt confession about her fears.
admissions	Used when someone accepts or acknowledges something, often reluctantly. It could be an acknowledgment of a fact, mistake, or responsibility. This term finds its use in both formal and casual contexts. Her admission of the mistake helped resolve the misunderstanding. The company made a public admission of their error in the financial reports.
disclosures	Involves sharing information that was previously hidden or unknown, often in formal or official contexts, such as in legal or financial matters. The company made a full disclosure of their financial status. Her disclosure about the incident changed the course of the investigation.
revelations	Applies when something surprising or previously unknown is suddenly made known. Often used in contexts that involve shocking or significant information being disclosed. The book is filled with startling revelations about the political leader's past. His revelation about the secret project caught everyone off guard.

Examples of usage

I made some confessions to my best friend about what happened that night.
She went to church to make her confessions and seek forgiveness.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

formal statement

Confessions can also refer to a formal statement where a person admits to committing a crime or wrongdoing. This type of confession is often given to law enforcement or in a court of law.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, admission, avowal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
confessions	When someone reveals their true feelings, secrets, or mistakes, often in a serious or emotional context. This term can also be used in legal situations when someone admits to a crime. He finally made his confessions, telling her everything he had hidden The suspect's confessions were crucial in solving the case
admission	Typically used when someone accepts or agrees that something is true, often reluctantly or unwillingly. It can also refer to the process of entering a place or institution. His admission of guilt surprised everyone The club's admission fee is quite high
acknowledgment	Used when someone recognizes or accepts the truth or existence of something, often in a formal or polite context. She gave a nod of acknowledgment when she saw her friend The acknowledgment of the letter was received yesterday
avowal	A more formal term used when someone openly declares or affirms something, often related to beliefs, feelings, or intentions. Her avowal of love was unexpected The politician's avowal of his commitment to reform was widely publicized

Examples of usage

The suspect's confession was recorded by the police.
She signed a written confession admitting her involvement in the crime.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'confessio', meaning 'to admit' or 'to acknowledge'.
Confessions have been part of religious practices for centuries, often seen in Catholicism where people confess sins to a priest.

Literature

Many famous novels explore confessions, such as 'The Confessions' by St. Augustine, which delves into personal spirituality.
In contemporary literature, confessions often reveal character motivations and inner conflicts, adding depth to storytelling.

Psychology

Confessing can lead to emotional relief, often referred to as 'cathartic confession', where sharing helps ease guilt or anxiety.
Research shows that confessions can strengthen relationships by promoting honesty and transparency between individuals.

Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often feature confessional scenes, such as reality TV moments where contestants share their secrets.
The concept of 'confessionals' in games like 'The Sims' allows characters to express their emotions privately, adding to gameplay storytelling.

Religion

In many religions, confession is seen as a way to seek forgiveness and start anew, reinforcing moral and ethical values.
The practice of confession varies widely among different cultures and religions, ranging from formal rituals to personal dialogues.

Translations

Translations of the word "confessions" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confissões

🇮🇳 स्वीकारोक्तियाँ

🇩🇪 Geständnisse

🇮🇩 pengakuan

🇺🇦 зізнання

🇵🇱 wyznania

🇯🇵 告白 (kokuhaku)

🇫🇷 confessions

🇪🇸 confesiones

🇹🇷 itiraflar

🇰🇷 고백 (gobaek)

🇸🇦 اعترافات

🇨🇿 přiznání

🇸🇰 priznania

🇨🇳 忏悔 (chànhuǐ)

🇸🇮 priznanja

🇮🇸 játningar

🇰🇿 мойындау

🇬🇪 აღსარებები

🇦🇿 etiraflar

🇲🇽 confesiones

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,612, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13609 naturalization
13610 visceral
13611 strewn
13612 confessions
13613 parsley
13614 ripple
13615 unanimity
...