confess

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
  2. verb admit (to a wrongdoing)
  3. verb confess to God in the presence of a priest, as in the Catholic faith

Etymology

From Middle English confessen, from Anglo-Norman confesser, from Old French confesser, from Latin confessus (Old French confés), past participle of cōnfiteor (“to confess, admit”) from con- + fateor (“to admit”). Displaced Middle English andetten (“to confess, admit”) (from Old English andettan). Doublet of confiteor. Sense 6 is a calque of 告白 (kokuhaku).

In classic literature

Synonyms

squeal, fink

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