confidential 30초 만에
- Confidential describes information that is secret and private, meant only for specific people to see or hear in a professional or personal setting.
- It is commonly used in business, medicine, and law to protect sensitive data and ensure that trust is maintained between different parties.
- The word is an adjective, often appearing before nouns like 'information', 'report', or 'letter', or after linking verbs like 'is' or 'remains'.
- Keeping things confidential is essential for privacy and security, and breaking this trust can often lead to serious legal or social consequences.
The word confidential is a special word we use to talk about secrets. Even though it is a long word, its meaning is very simple: it means that something is private. Imagine you have a secret diary. You do not want your brother or sister to read it. That diary is confidential. In the world of adults, many things are confidential. Doctors have confidential information about their patients. Teachers have confidential grades for their students. When something is marked as confidential, it is like a big sign that says 'Do Not Share'.
- The Secret Rule
- If you are told something is confidential, you must keep it in your heart and not tell anyone else.
- The Privacy Rule
- Confidential things are only for the people who are supposed to see them.
Please keep this letter confidential because it contains my private phone number.
In a school, your teacher might have a confidential folder. This folder has your name, your address, and how well you are doing in class. It would be wrong for the teacher to show this to other students. This is because your information is personal. Personal and confidential often go together. When you grow up and get a job, you will see this word on many papers. It helps people trust each other. If I tell you a secret and you keep it, I can trust you. If a company keeps your information confidential, you can trust that company.
The doctor said my health records are confidential.
Sometimes, people use the word 'secret' instead of 'confidential'. While they are similar, 'confidential' sounds more professional. You wouldn't usually say a 'secret government document' in a formal meeting; you would say a 'confidential government document'. It implies a level of duty and legal protection. If you break a confidential agreement, there might be big problems. That is why it is such an important word to learn early on.
My boss gave me a confidential task to complete by Friday.
- Synonym: Private
- Something that is not for the public.
- Synonym: Hidden
- Something that is kept out of sight.
Is this email confidential, or can I show it to my team?
To summarize, when you see 'confidential', think 'Shhh!'. It is information that belongs to one person or a small group, and it must stay there. It is about respect, trust, and following the rules of privacy. Whether it is a password, a home address, or a secret plan, keeping things confidential makes the world a safer and more respectful place for everyone involved.
Using the word confidential correctly is all about understanding the context of privacy. You usually use it to describe a noun—like a letter, a conversation, or data. For example, you can say 'a confidential report' or 'this information is confidential'. It acts as a shield for the information it describes. In a sentence, it often follows the verb 'to be' (is, am, are, was, were). For instance, 'The results were confidential'. This tells the listener that they should not share what they have just heard or seen.
You can also use it to describe the way someone speaks. If someone leans in and whispers, they might be sharing 'confidential information'. In business, people often sign 'confidentiality agreements'. This is a formal way of saying they promise to keep secrets. Even at the A1 level, you can use it to ask for privacy: 'Can we have a confidential talk?' This sounds much more polite and serious than saying 'Can I tell you a secret?'.
Another common way to use it is in writing. Many emails have a footer that says 'This email is confidential'. This is a legal warning. It means if you received the email by mistake, you should delete it and not tell anyone what was inside. It is also used in medical settings. When you go to the dentist, your records are confidential. You can feel safe knowing that the dentist won't tell your neighbors about your cavities. Using this word correctly shows that you understand social boundaries and professional rules.
You will hear the word confidential in many different places, especially where important decisions are made. In a hospital, doctors and nurses use it constantly. They might say, 'Your test results are strictly confidential.' This is to reassure you that your health is your business. You will also hear it in banks. When you talk about how much money you have, the bank teller will treat that as confidential information. They won't tell the person standing behind you in line how much is in your account.
In movies, especially spy movies or legal dramas, 'confidential' is a very popular word. A spy might steal a 'confidential file' from an enemy office. A lawyer might tell a judge, 'This witness has confidential information.' In these stories, the word adds a sense of mystery and importance. It makes the information seem more valuable because it is hidden. In real life, you might hear it at school if a teacher is talking to your parents. They might say, 'Let's keep this conversation confidential for now,' meaning they don't want other students to know yet.
Finally, you will see it in technology. When you sign up for a new app, the 'Privacy Policy' often mentions that your data is confidential. This is their promise to you that they won't sell your private details to other people. In the digital age, hearing and seeing this word is a sign that a company cares about your security. Whether it's in a courtroom, a clinic, or on your computer screen, 'confidential' is the keyword for protection.
One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing confidential with confident. While they look similar and both come from the root word for 'trust', they mean very different things. 'Confident' describes a feeling of being sure of yourself. For example, 'I am confident I will pass the test.' 'Confidential' describes information that is secret. You would never say 'I am confidential I will pass the test.' That wouldn't make sense! Always remember: people are confident, but information is confidential.
Another mistake is using 'confidential' when you just mean 'quiet'. If you want someone to be quiet, you don't say 'Be confidential.' You say 'Be quiet.' 'Confidential' is about the nature of the information, not the volume of your voice. Also, some people forget that 'confidential' is an adjective. You cannot say 'I have a confidential.' You must say 'I have confidential information' or 'I have a confidential file.' You need a noun for the adjective to describe.
Lastly, don't confuse it with 'classified'. While they are very similar, 'classified' is usually used by the government or the military (like 'Top Secret'). 'Confidential' is used by everyone—businesses, doctors, and friends. Using 'classified' for a small secret between friends might sound a bit funny or like you are pretending to be a spy. Stick to 'confidential' for everyday professional and personal privacy.
There are several words that share a similar meaning with confidential, but each has its own special flavor. The most common one is private. 'Private' is a very general word. Your bedroom is private, your thoughts are private, and your phone is private. 'Confidential' is a bit more formal and is often used in professional settings. While all confidential things are private, not all private things are necessarily confidential in a legal or professional sense.
Another similar word is secret. 'Secret' is a word we use from the time we are children. It can be fun, like a secret surprise party, or serious. 'Confidential' is like the 'grown-up' version of 'secret'. It sounds more official. You wouldn't usually see a stamp that says 'SECRET' on a business contract; it would almost always say 'CONFIDENTIAL'. Then there is off-the-record. This is a phrase used by journalists and politicians. If someone says something 'off-the-record', it means it is confidential and should not be printed in the newspaper.
Finally, we have restricted. This word means that only certain people are allowed to see or go somewhere. If a document is 'restricted', it is definitely confidential. These words all help us describe the different ways we protect information. By knowing the difference between 'private', 'secret', and 'confidential', you can choose the perfect word for any situation where you need to keep things under wraps.
How Formal Is It?
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Adjective placement
Linking verbs
Passive voice (e.g., 'is kept confidential')
Suffixes (-ial)
Adverbs of manner (confidentially)
수준별 예문
This is a confidential letter.
Ceci est une lettre confidentielle.
Adjective before the noun.
Your password is confidential.
Votre mot de passe est confidentiel.
Predicate adjective after 'is'.
Is the secret confidential?
Le secret est-il confidentiel ?
Question form.
Keep your phone number confidential.
Gardez votre numéro de téléphone confidentiel.
Object complement.
The doctor has confidential files.
Le médecin a des dossiers confidentiels.
Plural noun usage.
It is a confidential talk.
C'est une discussion confidentielle.
Simple adjective-noun pair.
Don't share confidential things.
Ne partagez pas de choses confidentielles.
Imperative sentence.
My grades are confidential.
Mes notes sont confidentielles.
Plural subject.
The manager sent a confidential email.
Le manager a envoyé un e-mail confidentiel.
Past simple tense.
Please keep our meeting confidential.
S'il vous plaît, gardez notre réunion confidentielle.
Polite request.
The information in this book is confidential.
L'information dans ce livre est confidentielle.
Subject-verb agreement.
He told me a confidential story.
Il m'a raconté une histoire confidentielle.
Describing an abstract noun.
They signed a confidential paper.
Ils ont signé un papier confidentiel.
Describing a document.
The bank keeps your data confidential.
La banque garde vos données confidentielles.
Present simple.
Is this document confidential or public?
Ce document est-il confidentiel ou public ?
Comparative question.
We must be confidential about the surprise.
Nous devons être confidentiels à propos de la surprise.
Modal verb 'must'.
All patient records are strictly confidential.
Tous les dossiers des patients sont strictement confidentiels.
Use of adverb 'strictly'.
The company handles confidential information every day.
L'entreprise manipule des informations confidentielles chaque jour.
Present continuous sense.
You should not discuss confidential matters in public.
Vous ne devriez pas discuter de questions confidentielles en public.
Advice with 'should'.
The report was marked as confidential by the director.
Le rapport a été marqué comme confidentiel par le directeur.
Passive voice.
She was fired for sharing confidential files.
Elle a été licenciée pour avoir partagé des fichiers confidentiels.
Gerund phrase 'for sharing'.
Is there a confidential way to report this?
Existe-t-il un moyen confidentiel de signaler cela ?
Existential 'there is'.
The lawyer promised to keep the details confidential.
L'avocat a promis de garder les détails confidentiels.
Infinitive phrase.
Confidential documents must be stored in a safe.
Les documents confidentiels doivent être conservés dans un coffre-fort.
Passive modal.
The merger talks remained confidential for several months.
Les discussions sur la fusion sont restées confidentielles pendant plusieurs mois.
Linking verb 'remained'.
Unauthorized disclosure of confidential data is a crime.
La divulgation non autorisée de données confidentielles est un crime.
Complex subject phrase.
The journalist protected his confidential sources.
Le journaliste a protégé ses sources confidentielles.
Past simple.
Please treat this email as highly confidential.
Veuillez traiter cet e-mail comme hautement confidentiel.
Adverbial phrase 'highly confidential'.
The board held a confidential meeting to discuss the crisis.
Le conseil d'administration a tenu une réunion confidentielle pour discuter de la crise.
Purpose clause 'to discuss'.
A confidential settlement was reached out of court.
Un règlement confidentiel a été conclu à l'amiable.
Legal terminology.
Employees must sign a confidential disclosure agreement.
Les employés doivent signer un accord de divulgation confidentiel.
Compound noun phrase.
The identity of the donor remains confidential.
L'identité du donateur reste confidentielle.
Abstract subject.
The sanctity of the confidential relationship was upheld by the court.
Le caractère sacré de la relation confidentielle a été maintenu par le tribunal.
Formal academic tone.
They engaged in confidential negotiations regarding the treaty.
Ils ont entamé des négociations confidentielles concernant le traité.
Collocation 'engaged in'.
The whistle-blower leaked confidential documents to the press.
Le lanceur d'alerte a divulgué des documents confidentiels à la presse.
Specific vocabulary 'whistle-blower'.
Maintaining a confidential environment is crucial for therapy.
Maintenir un environnement confidentiel est crucial pour la thérapie.
Gerund subject.
The information was deemed confidential under the new policy.
L'information a été jugée confidentielle en vertu de la nouvelle politique.
Verb 'deemed'.
He spoke on the condition that his remarks remain confidential.
Il a parlé à la condition que ses remarques restent confidentielles.
Subjunctive mood 'remain'.
The breach of confidential trust led to his resignation.
La rupture de la confiance confidentielle a conduit à sa démission.
Causal structure.
The government classified the report as strictly confidential.
Le gouvernement a classé le rapport comme strictement confidentiel.
Verb 'classified'.
The intricate web of confidential alliances shaped the geopolitical landscape.
Le réseau complexe d'alliances confidentielles a façonné le paysage géopolitique.
Metaphorical language.
The attorney invoked the principle of confidential privilege.
L'avocat a invoqué le principe du privilège confidentiel.
Legal jargon.
Such confidential disclosures are subject to rigorous oversight.
De telles divulgations confidentielles sont soumises à une surveillance rigoureuse.
Formal 'Such' construction.
The pervasive nature of digital tracking threatens confidential discourse.
La nature omniprésente du pistage numérique menace le discours confidentiel.
Abstract philosophical subject.
The nuances of the confidential agreement were debated at length.
Les nuances de l'accord confidentiel ont été débattues longuement.
Passive voice with 'at length'.
He maintained a confidential demeanor throughout the trial.
Il a conservé une attitude confidentielle tout au long du procès.
Describing behavior.
The leak of confidential protocols compromised the entire operation.
La fuite de protocoles confidentiels a compromis toute l'opération.
Impactful verb 'compromised'.
The archives contain confidential correspondence from the 18th century.
Les archives contiennent une correspondance confidentielle du XVIIIe siècle.
Historical context.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
While 'confidential' is an adjective, it is often used as a label on documents (e.g., a stamp that just says 'CONFIDENTIAL').
- Saying 'This is a confidential' instead of 'This is confidential' or 'This is a confidential document'.
- Spelling it as 'confidentual'.
- Using it to mean 'sure' (confusing with confident).
- Thinking it only applies to the government.
- Using it as a verb.
팁
The 'DENT' Trick
There is a 'DENT' in confidential. If you leak a secret, you might put a 'dent' in someone's trust.
Labeling
If you write a private letter, write 'CONFIDENTIAL' at the top in capital letters.
Soft Tone
When saying 'confidential', try to use a slightly more formal or serious tone of voice.
Workplace Privacy
Always assume salary information is confidential unless your boss tells you otherwise.
Online Safety
Never share confidential information like your social security number in a public chat.
Adjective Power
Remember that 'confidential' describes the noun. A 'confidential person' is not common; 'confidential info' is.
Latin Roots
The root 'fid' means faith. You have faith that the person will keep the secret.
Building Trust
Keeping things confidential is the fastest way to build a strong professional reputation.
Email Footers
Look at the bottom of business emails; you will almost always see the word 'confidential' there.
Word Family
Learn 'confide' (verb) and 'confidentiality' (noun) together to master the concept.
암기하기
기억법
CONFIDE in a friend, keep it CONFIDENTIAL.
어원
Latin
문화적 맥락
Sharing a confidential secret is often seen as a major betrayal of friendship.
NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) are standard in the US and UK.
HIPAA laws in the US protect confidential patient health information.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Is this information confidential?"
"How do you keep your passwords confidential?"
"Why is it important for doctors to be confidential?"
"Have you ever shared a confidential secret?"
"What happens if a company leaks confidential data?"
일기 주제
Write about a time you had to keep something confidential.
Why is confidentiality important in a friendship?
How would you feel if your confidential grades were shared?
List five things you consider confidential.
Describe a job where keeping things confidential is the most important rule.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 'confidential' is an adjective. The noun form is 'confidentiality'. However, it is often used as a heading or label on its own.
Usually no. You would say 'I am keeping this confidential' or 'I am a confidential person' (though the latter is rare). You probably mean 'I am confident'.
The most common opposite is 'public' or 'open'. If something is not confidential, everyone can know about it.
It sounds more professional and official. A 'secret' can be small and silly, but 'confidential' usually implies something important or legal.
It is pronounced con-fi-DEN-shul. The 'tial' sounds like 'shul'.
Use it in business, school, or medical situations when talking about private information that shouldn't be shared.
It is a legal contract where people promise not to tell secrets about a company or a project.
A person is usually described as 'discreet' if they keep secrets. 'Confidential' describes the information itself.
The concept is simple (secret), but the word itself is often taught at higher levels. However, it is very useful for beginners to know for basic forms and privacy.
We usually say 'confidential to [a group]' or 'confidential for [a purpose]', but most often it is used alone: 'The information is confidential.'
셀프 테스트 180 질문
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'confidential' is a powerful adjective that signals the need for absolute privacy and trust. Whether in a doctor's office or a high-level business meeting, it acts as a formal instruction to keep information secret and protected from public view.
- Confidential describes information that is secret and private, meant only for specific people to see or hear in a professional or personal setting.
- It is commonly used in business, medicine, and law to protect sensitive data and ensure that trust is maintained between different parties.
- The word is an adjective, often appearing before nouns like 'information', 'report', or 'letter', or after linking verbs like 'is' or 'remains'.
- Keeping things confidential is essential for privacy and security, and breaking this trust can often lead to serious legal or social consequences.
The 'DENT' Trick
There is a 'DENT' in confidential. If you leak a secret, you might put a 'dent' in someone's trust.
Labeling
If you write a private letter, write 'CONFIDENTIAL' at the top in capital letters.
Soft Tone
When saying 'confidential', try to use a slightly more formal or serious tone of voice.
Workplace Privacy
Always assume salary information is confidential unless your boss tells you otherwise.
예시
This is an example with confidential.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 표현
Communication 관련 단어
aah
A1안도감이나 기쁨을 표현할 때 사용하는 감탄사. '아아, 이제 훨씬 낫네요!'
accentuate
C1강조하다, 두드러지게 하다. 예를 들어, 이 조명은 조각상의 질감을 강조합니다.
acknowledgment
B2인정은 어떤 것이 사실임을 받아들이거나 인정하는 행위, 또는 어떤 것을 받았음을 확인하는 공식적인 진술입니다.
actually
B1사실은, 실제로. 오해를 바로잡거나 놀라운 사실을 강조할 때 사용됩니다.
address
A2누구에게 말을 걸거나 특정 문제를 다루다.
addressee
B2수신인은 편지나 소포를 받기로 되어 있는 사람입니다. 예: '수신인이 부재중이라서 소포가 반송되었습니다.'
adlocment
C1공공 연설이나 선언적 연설과 관련된 공식적이고 웅변적인 의사소통 스타일을 묘사합니다.
adloctude
C1격식 있고 직접적인 화법을 특징으로 하는 사람이나 의사소통 스타일을 묘사합니다.
admonish
C1누군가의 행동에 대해 단호하게 경고하거나 훈계하는 것.
adpassant
C1주요 작업이나 토론에 집중하면서 부차적인 주제를 간략하고 우발적으로 언급하거나 다루는 것을 의미합니다. 이는 주요 내러티브나 작업 흐름을 방해하지 않고 자연스럽게 '지나가는 길에' 발생하는 행동을 묘사합니다.
