Confide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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confide
[kənˈfaɪd ]
Definitions
in a relationship
To tell someone a secret or to trust someone with private or personal information, often with the expectation that they will keep it confidential.
Synonyms
disclose, entrust, reveal, share.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| confide |
This is used when you want to tell someone a secret or private matter with the expectation that they won't share it with others. It often implies trust and confidentiality.
|
| reveal |
This word is suitable when making something known that was hidden or unknown, typically used in dramatic or surprising contexts. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if the information revealed is unwelcome.
|
| share |
This is used when you tell someone something with the intention of having a mutual understanding or experience. It can be informal and often implies openness and generosity.
|
| disclose |
This is appropriate when you need to make something known that was previously secret or unknown. It can be used in both informal and formal settings and often implies an obligation or need to inform.
|
| entrust |
Use this when you are giving someone responsibility for something valuable or important. It suggests a high level of trust and responsibility.
|
Examples of usage
- He confided in his best friend about his fears and insecurities.
- She confided in her sister about her plans to change careers.
- They confided in each other about their past traumas.
- We can confide in each other because we have built a strong bond of trust.
- I confide in you because I know you will keep my secrets safe.
with feelings or emotions
To share one's thoughts, feelings, or emotions with someone else in a trusting manner.
Synonyms
express, open up, pour out, unburden.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| confide |
Used when sharing a personal secret or sensitive information with someone you trust.
|
| open up |
Used when starting to talk more freely about personal thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
|
| express |
Used when conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly and explicitly.
|
| unburden |
Used when relieving oneself of worries or problems by sharing them with someone else.
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| pour out |
Used when sharing one's thoughts or feelings in a very emotional way, often suddenly and intensely.
|
Examples of usage
- She confided in her therapist about her struggles with anxiety.
- He confided in his partner about his childhood trauma.
- They confided in each other about their feelings of loneliness.
- We can confide in each other because we know we will not be judged.
- I confide in you because I feel safe and understood.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Confiding in someone can enhance emotional bonds and build trust between people.
- Research shows that sharing personal thoughts improves mental well-being, helping to relieve stress.
- Confiding can be a therapeutic method, often used in counseling to aid emotional healing.
Literature
- Many literary works explore the theme of confiding, showing how characters develop relationships through shared secrets.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often confide to soliloquies, revealing their inner thoughts to the audience.
- Confiding can lead to pivotal plot developments, as secrets shared can change the course of stories and character dynamics.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have unique norms around confiding, with some valuing openness while others prioritize privacy.
- In some cultures, family members are often the first to confide in, reflecting trust within familial ties.
- The act of confiding can be seen as a rite of passage in many societies, marking maturity and trust.
Communication
- Nonverbal cues play a significant role in confiding; body language can express more than words in a conversation.
- The context in which someone confides can influence the reception of their message, such as a calm setting compared to a chaotic one.
- Listening skills are crucial for the person receiving the information, as active listening fosters a supportive environment for confiding.
Origin of 'confide'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'confidere', meaning 'to trust' or 'to have full trust'.
- It has roots in the Latin prefix 'con-', meaning 'with', and 'fidere', meaning 'to trust'.
- The term began to be used in English around the early 17th century.
The word 'confide' originated from the Latin word 'confidere', which means 'to trust'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of confiding in someone has always been associated with trust and intimacy, as it involves sharing personal or confidential information with another person. Throughout history, confiding has been seen as a way to strengthen relationships and build trust between individuals.