B2verb1K

Confess

UK /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to admit, especially formally or to the police, that you have done something wrong or illegal

In simple words: To admit that you did something wrong or bad.

Examples

  • He decided to confess his feelings to her after months of keeping them a secret.
  • The suspect chose to confess to the crime, hoping for a reduced sentence.
  • In therapy, she was able to confess her past mistakes and find forgiveness.
  • It is important to confess any wrongdoings to maintain trust in relationships.
  • During the confession, he admitted to lying about his whereabouts.

Usage notes

Use 'confess' in serious or formal contexts, like admitting a crime or a mistake. It's usually not used in casual conversations about minor issues.

Grammar pattern

confess + (to) object

Memory hint

Think of 'confess' as 'con-fess' — imagine speaking to a priest in a confessional booth.

Collocations

  • freely
  • openly
  • publicly
  • have to
  • must
  • to
  • freely
  • openly
  • publicly
  • have to
  • must
  • to

Synonyms

  • admit
  • acknowledge
  • reveal
  • disclose
  • avow

Antonyms

  • deny
  • conceal

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'admit' — 'confess' implies wrongdoing.
  • Using 'confess' without specifying what is being confessed.
  • Incorrectly using 'confess' without the word 'to' before the object.