confess
Definitions
To admit that you have done something wrong or illegal.
承认（做错事或犯罪），坦白
To admit something you feel embarrassed about, or reluctantly.
（不好意思地）承认，坦言
To disclose one's sins formally to a priest.
向神父告解，忏悔
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (fully, thoroughly) + fess (speak, acknowledge) = to say something completely, holding nothing back. What you say out loud is usually a fault or a secret, so confessing carries the weight of guilt and the relief of finally getting it out.
Root fess still carries 23 more wordsUsage Guide
Confess to + noun/-ing for an offence: confess to the crime, confess to cheating. You can also confess that... (confess that you were wrong) or simply 'I must confess...' as a softener before an admission. Religious sense: confess your sins (to a priest).
Example Sentences
- 1.
After hours of questioning, the suspect finally confessed to the robbery.
- 2.
I must confess I've never actually read the book.
- 3.
She confessed her feelings to him in a long letter.
Synonym Comparison
- confess — admit a fault, sin, or secret, often with guilt: confess to lying
- admit — neutral, broadest; acknowledge something is true: admit you were late
- acknowledge — formal, accept a fact or someone's role: acknowledge the mistake
- own up — informal, take responsibility for a wrong: own up to breaking it
- disclose — reveal previously hidden information: disclose financial details