What does confidentially mean?
"Confidentially" is an adverb describing actions done in secret, in private, or under an expectation of discretion. It most often characterizes communication — speaking, sharing, or discussing something meant for limited ears, whether between lawyer and client, doctor and patient, or two friends exchanging confidences. It also functions parenthetically to introduce privileged remarks, as in "Confidentially, I think the deal will fall through," where the speaker explicitly marks the information as entrusted rather than public. The word derives from Latin roots meaning "to trust," so its core idea is not mere secrecy but trust: something shared because someone can be relied upon to keep it. Formal in tone, it appears frequently in legal and professional settings, and it should not be confused with the near-identical "confidently," which instead describes acting with assurance. Its noun counterpart, "confidentiality," is a cornerstone of modern privacy law and ethics.
In a secret or private manner; with the expectation of discretion.
"The matter was handled confidentially by the firm's legal team."
In confidence; used to introduce information shared on the understanding it will not be repeated.
"Between ourselves — or rather, confidentially — she plans to resign next month."
Often set off by commas as a sentential adverb signaling confidentiality.
One misplaced letter is all that separates whispering a secret from projecting total confidence — "confidentially" and "confidently" trip up even native speakers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of confidentially
"Confidentially" derives from "confidential," formed from the Latin "confidere," meaning "to trust fully" (from "com-" meaning "with, thoroughly" plus "fidere," "to trust," from "fides," faith). English adopted "confidential" around the mid-18th century in the sense of trusted with private matters, and the adverb followed shortly thereafter. The same Latin root gives us "confidence," "confide," and "confidant," all built on the idea of placing faith in someone.
Related word forms
How confidentially is actually used
The word carries a formal register, common in legal, medical, and professional contexts. Used parenthetically before a statement, it signals that what follows should be treated in strictest confidence. Care must be taken not to confuse it with "confidently," a frequent spelling and pronunciation slip.
Easily confused with confidentially
"Confidentially" means in a secret or private manner, while "confidently" means with self-assurance and certainty.