noun
confessional
kuhn-FEH-shuh-nuhl
Confessional (noun) means a small enclosed booth where a priest hears confession in private. Example: “She stepped into the confessional and knelt down.”
noun
1
A small enclosed booth where a priest hears confession in private.
"In one of the aisles there was an elaborately carved confessional box and I recognised the village priest in his heavy mountain boots and black cassock as he entered it and drew the dark velvet curtains behind him."
— Delano Ames (1956)
"She stepped into the confessional and knelt down."
adj
1
Having the personal, admitting tone of a confession.
"His memoir has a raw, confessional style."
How to use confessional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to confession — either the booth where it happens, or writing/speech that reveals personal secrets.
Common pairings
confessional booth
confessional writing
confessional tone
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Word forms
- Plural
- confessionals
- Comparative
- more confessional
- Superlative
- most confessional
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She stepped into the _____ and knelt down.
Etymology
Formed from confession and -al.
Rhymes for confessional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for confessional →
Frequently asked questions
What does “confessional” mean?
The word “confessional” means a small enclosed booth where a priest hears confession in private. In plain terms, relating to confession — either the booth where it happens, or writing/speech that reveals personal secrets.
How do you pronounce “confessional”?
“Confessional” is pronounced kuhn-FEH-shuh-nuhl (/kənˈfɛʃənəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “confessional” in a sentence?
Here is “confessional” used in a sentence: “She stepped into the confessional and knelt down.”
What part of speech is “confessional”?
Depending on how it is used, “confessional” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “confessional” have?
“Confessional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small enclosed booth where a priest hears confession in private.
