Confess Meaning
Confess Definition & Usage
To admit or acknowledge, often publicly, something that was previously hidden or secret, especially regarding one's actions, feelings, or thoughts.
Examples
- "He confessed to the crime after hours of questioning."
- "She finally confessed her love for him after years of keeping it a secret."
- "The student confessed to cheating on the test when the teacher confronted him."
- "In an emotional interview, the actor confessed to struggling with addiction."
- "The politician confessed his involvement in the scandal during a press conference."
To confess one's sins or wrongdoings, typically to a priest or religious figure, in order to seek forgiveness.
Examples
- "He went to confession to confess his sins before Easter."
- "The devout woman confessed her guilt and prayed for redemption."
- "Before the ceremony, the priest invited the congregation to confess in private."
- "After years of guilt, she finally confessed to the priest and felt at peace."
- "The young boy nervously confessed his lies to the priest, seeking forgiveness."
To openly express or reveal something, such as emotions, beliefs, or intentions, often without prompting.
Examples
- "After years of silence, she confessed her desire to travel the world."
- "He confessed his admiration for her in a heartfelt letter."
- "The artist confessed that his paintings were inspired by his struggles with depression."
- "During the meeting, she confessed that she had been thinking about leaving the company."
- "He confessed that he had always wanted to start his own business but never had the courage."
Cultural Context
The word 'confess' originates from the Latin 'confiteri,' meaning 'to acknowledge,' often in the context of moral or religious obligations. Historically, confession has been a central ritual in many cultures, especially within the Christian faith, where it serves as an act of seeking forgiveness for sins. Over time, the word has expanded to include not just religious acts, but also personal admissions, especially in legal or emotional contexts.
The Silent Confession
Story
The Silent Confession
Late one evening, Emma sat in her dimly lit apartment, staring at the letter she had written. Her fingers trembled as she traced the edges of the envelope, which contained the confession she had been too scared to send. It had been years since she first realized her feelings for James, and yet she had never once admitted it aloud. They had been friends for so long, but the truth of her emotions had always remained locked inside her heart. Just as she was about to place the letter in the mailbox, her phone buzzed. It was a message from James: 'Can we talk? I've been thinking about you a lot lately.' Emma’s heart raced. Was this the moment? Should she confess everything? The idea of opening up to him both terrified and excited her. She paused, contemplating the vulnerability of her confession. Later that evening, they met in a quiet café. James was unusually serious. 'Emma, there's something I need to tell you,' he began. 'I've been hiding something from you for a long time.' He took a deep breath before confessing that he had feelings for her as well. The relief that washed over Emma was overwhelming, but there was more. Her confession, which had seemed so daunting, suddenly felt so small compared to his. They both smiled, knowing that the truth had finally been spoken. As they parted ways, Emma reflected on the power of confession. Sometimes, admitting a hidden truth could transform a relationship, not just by revealing secrets but by deepening the trust between two people. What she had feared for so long was now a shared bond that brought them closer together.
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