Confidentiality: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to an obligation to keep certain information private and secure, often used in legal, medical, or professional settings.

• Doctors must maintain patient confidentiality.
• The confidentiality agreement prevents us from sharing those details.

Used when describing the act of keeping something hidden, often associated with suspicion or negative connotations.

• The company's activities were shrouded in secrecy.
• There was a lot of secrecy surrounding the project.

Commonly used to talk about the state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion, often in everyday life contexts.

• I value my privacy when I'm at home.
• Social media platforms must respect users' privacy.

Appropriate when highlighting the ability to decide or act according to one's own judgment, particularly in sensitive matters.

• Please handle this matter with discretion.
• She trusted him because of his discretion in personal affairs.

Used when discussing the protection of sensitive information, such as in legal, medical, or business contexts.

• Doctors must respect patient confidentiality
• The agreement includes a confidentiality clause

Often implies the act of keeping something hidden, sometimes with a negative connotation, such as hiding information deliberately.

• The plan was shrouded in secrecy
• There was much secrecy surrounding the negotiations

Commonly used to refer to the state of being free from public attention or intrusion into one's personal life.

• Everyone has a right to privacy in their own home
• The new regulations aim to protect users' privacy online

Refers to the ability to make decisions or handle matters without letting others know, often used in social or professional settings to maintain tact.

• She handled the situation with great discretion
• Discretion is advised when discussing sensitive topics

Used in professional or legal settings where protecting sensitive information is crucial. Often associated with healthcare, business agreements, or legal documents.

• Doctors are bound by confidentiality agreements to protect patient information.
• The confidentiality clause in the contract ensured that trade secrets would not be disclosed.

Used when referring to the act of keeping something hidden, often with a connotation of mystery or negativity. Can imply something is being deliberately concealed for a reason.

• The government's secrecy about the incident raised public suspicion.
• His life was shrouded in secrecy, making him a very mysterious figure.

Used when talking about the right to keep personal life and personal matters out of public view. Commonly used in everyday life, legal discussions, and online spaces.

• I value my privacy and don't like sharing personal details online.
• Privacy settings on social media platforms help protect your personal information.

Used when referring to the ability to make responsible decisions and maintain privacy in social or professional situations. Often implies judgment and sensitivity.

• Please exercise discretion when discussing company matters in public.
• She handled the sensitive information with great discretion.