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Confidants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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confidants

[หˆkษ’n.fษช.dษ™nts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

trusted friends

Confidants are people with whom one shares a close and trusting relationship, often confiding in them about personal matters and seeking their advice and support. Confidants play a crucial role in providing emotional and moral support during difficult times.

Synonyms

close companions, confidantes, trusted friends.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confidants

Used to describe people with whom one shares personal secrets or private matters. It is slightly formal and can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • She discussed her plans only with her most trusted confidants.
  • He trusted his confidants completely.
close companions

This phrase is used to describe friends who are very close and spend a lot of time together. It has a warm and familiar tone.

  • During the trip, we became close companions.
  • They are not just colleagues; they are close companions.
confidantes

This term is typically used for female friends with whom one shares personal secrets. It carries a similar meaning to 'confidants' but specifically refers to women.

  • Over the years, she became one of my most trusted confidantes.
  • Her mother was her main confidante.

Examples of usage

  • She considered her sister to be one of her closest confidants.
  • He turned to his confidants for guidance and reassurance.
  • They shared a bond of trust that made them confidants in both good and bad times.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Having confidants is linked to better mental health, as they provide emotional support and understanding.
  • Studies show that individuals with trusted confidants tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety.
  • Sharing thoughts with confidants can help with decision-making and problem-solving by providing different perspectives.

Literature

  • In literature, a confidant character often serves as a sounding board for the protagonist's thoughts and dilemmas.
  • Famous literary confidants include Watson to Sherlock Holmes and Samwise Gamgee to Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
  • Confidant relationships are often depicted to highlight trust and emotional depth in character development.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'Friends' and 'Sex and the City' showcase strong ties between confidants navigating life's challenges.
  • Celebrities often discuss their confidants, emphasizing the importance of trust in their high-pressure lives.
  • In social media culture, the term is sometimes used to describe influencers who act as trusted sources for their followers.

Communication

  • Effective communication with confidants involves active listening and openness, which strengthen the bond.
  • Nonverbal cues, like body language, play a significant role in how confidants understand each other.
  • Building a network of confidants can enhance one's social skills and promote a sense of belonging.

Origin of 'confidants'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'confidens', meaning 'trusting' or 'having full trust'.
  • Initially used in the 17th century to describe close friends or advisors.
  • The term 'confidant' is gender-neutral, but in French, 'confidante' refers specifically to a female confidant.

The word 'confidants' originated from the French word 'confidant', meaning 'trusted person'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of confidants has been integral to human relationships throughout history, with individuals seeking trusted companions to share their thoughts and feelings with in times of need.

See also: confidante, confidential, confidentially, confidently, overconfident, unconfident.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,595 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.