What does confession mean?
Confession is the act of admitting or acknowledging something — most commonly a wrongdoing, crime, or sin — either publicly, privately, or formally. In law enforcement and criminal proceedings, a confession is a declaration by which a person admits guilt, and such statements are treated as significant evidence. In Christian tradition, particularly Catholicism, confession refers to the sacramental practice of telling one's sins to a priest in order to receive forgiveness. More loosely, the word describes any candid disclosure of personal feelings, faults, or secrets, as in "I have a confession to make." Derived from Latin confiteri, meaning "to acknowledge" or "to declare openly," the word has long carried connotations of honesty, relief, vulnerability, and moral accountability. Whether solemn or casual, confession implies revealing something previously hidden.
A statement admitting that one has committed a crime or done something wrong; also the formal declaration of sins to a priest in a religious rite.
"The defendant's confession was read aloud at the hearing."
In legal settings, a confession typically refers specifically to an admission of guilt; in religious settings it denotes the sacramental disclosure of sins.
A candid acknowledgment or revelation of one's own beliefs, feelings, or private facts, especially something previously concealed.
"I have a confession: I was the one who ate the last slice of cake."
This lighter sense is common in informal speech and often signals a playful or self-deprecating admission.
Used when referring to multiple acts or statements of confession, such as collected writings or repeated religious confessions.
"Augustine's 'Confessions' is one of the most influential spiritual autobiographies ever written."
The word 'confession' literally means 'to speak with' — from Latin confiteri — because confessing originally meant talking your sins through with God or a priest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of confession
Confession comes from Latin confiteri, meaning "to acknowledge fully" or "to avow," formed from com- ("together") and fateri ("to admit"). The word entered English via Old French in the medieval period, initially carrying strongly religious senses tied to declaring faith and acknowledging sins before a priest. Over time its use broadened to include admissions of guilt in legal contexts and, later, any candid disclosure of personal matters. Cognates include profess and profession, which share the same Latin root fateri.
Related word forms
How confession is actually used
"Confession" carries a formal or serious register, especially in legal and religious contexts. In everyday speech it can be used more lightly ("a confession: I've never seen that film"), often signaling a playful admission.
Easily confused with confession
A confession is an admission of wrongdoing or sin, while a concession is the granting of something or yielding of a point, often in negotiation.