B2verb 1K

Confess

🇬🇧 UK /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Confess

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.

Confess in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Confess

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.

Related words

Collocations with Confess

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

Synonyms for Confess

• admit
• acknowledge
• reveal
• disclose
• avow

Opposites of Confess

• deny
• conceal

Common mistakes with Confess

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

Frequently asked questions about Confess

What does Confess mean?

To admit that you did something wrong or bad.

What is the definition of Confess?

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

How do you use Confess in a sentence?

He decided to confess his feelings to her after months of keeping them a secret.

Can you give another example of Confess?

The suspect chose to confess to the crime, hoping for a reduced sentence.

What are synonyms for Confess?

Common alternatives include admit, acknowledge, reveal, disclose, avow.

What is the opposite of Confess?

Opposite meanings include deny, conceal.

What words go with Confess?

It commonly pairs with freely, openly, publicly, have to, must, to, freely, openly, publicly, have to, must, to.

What are common mistakes when using Confess?

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

How do you pronounce Confess?

US: /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈfes/","/kənˈfesɪz/","/kənˈfest/","/kənˈfesɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Confess?

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.

What CEFR level is Confess?

"Confess" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.