confession
kuhn-FEH-shuhn
Confession (noun) means a statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true. Example: “After weeks of silence, his confession that he had broken the window surprised everyone.”
noun
1
A statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true.
"After weeks of silence, his confession that he had broken the window surprised everyone."
"The suspect signed a written confession."
"Her confession of love caught him off guard."
2
The religious practice of telling a priest one's sins in order to receive forgiveness.
"The priest listened quietly during her confession on Sunday morning."
"Many churchgoers queue outside the booth before confession begins."
"He went to confession every Saturday afternoon."
How to use confession
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn admission of guilt, wrongdoing, or truth — or, in Catholic practice, telling a priest your sins.
Common pairings
make a confession
go to confession
a signed confession
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Word forms
- Plural
- confessions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After weeks of silence, his _____ that he had broken the window surprised everyone.
Etymology
From Old French confession, from Latin cōnfessiō, "an admission or acknowledgment."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for confession
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for confession →
Frequently asked questions
What does “confession” mean?
The word “confession” means a statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true. In plain terms, an admission of guilt, wrongdoing, or truth — or, in Catholic practice, telling a priest your sins.
How do you pronounce “confession”?
“Confession” is pronounced kuhn-FEH-shuhn (/kənˈfɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “confession” in a sentence?
Here is “confession” used in a sentence: “The suspect signed a written confession.”
What part of speech is “confession”?
“Confession” is a noun.
Where does the word “confession” come from?
The word “confession” comes from Latin. From Old French confession, from Latin cōnfessiō, "an admission or acknowledgment.".
Is “confession” a common word?
“Confession” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “confession” have?
“Confession” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement admitting that you did something wrong or that something is true.
What is the difference between a confession and an admission?
Both involve acknowledging something, but a confession usually admits guilt or wrongdoing and often carries a sense of unburdening. An admission is broader and can simply concede a fact without any suggestion of blame.
What is the difference between confession and repentance?
Confession is the act of admitting a wrong, or of telling one's sins. Repentance goes further, involving genuine regret and a commitment to change one's behaviour.
What is the difference between a confession and a testimony?
A confession admits one's own wrongdoing, or the truth of something. A testimony is a formal statement of what a person has witnessed or believes, often given in court or a religious setting, and it is not necessarily about oneself.
What verbs are commonly used with confession?
Common collocations include 'make a confession,' 'sign a confession,' and 'extract a confession.' In a religious context a priest is said to 'hear' a confession, while in law a confession is often 'obtained.'
