Confidential: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to information that is meant to be kept secret, often in professional or formal settings such as medical records or business discussions.

• The documents are confidential and should not be shared with anyone outside the company.
• Please handle this matter with confidentiality.

Used to describe something that is meant to be hidden from others. It can be used in casual or serious situations.

• She told him a secret that no one else knew.
• The location of the hidden treasure is a secret.

Used for information that is personal or sensitive and is not meant for public knowledge. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• She kept her private thoughts to herself.
• This is a private conversation, please leave us alone.

Often used in a governmental or military context to describe information that is restricted and only accessible to individuals with the proper clearance.

• The report contains classified information about national security.
• Only authorized personnel can access the classified files.

Used to describe information that is meant to be kept secret and not disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

• The email contained confidential information about the company's new product launch.
• Please ensure that these documents remain confidential.

Used in official and government settings to describe information that requires a specific level of clearance to access. It has a formal and often legal connotation.

• Only personnel with proper clearance can view the classified documents.
• They found several classified documents during the investigation.

Used when referring to reports or documentation intended for specific individuals or groups, often within a company or organization, and not for public release.

• The board received a private report detailing the financial performance of the last quarter.
• Please review the private report before our next meeting.