Definition

1. Noun:
   • Discretion in keeping secret information: The quality or practice of keeping private or sensitive information secret and not revealing it to unauthorized people.
   • The state of being secret: The condition of information being kept private, classified, or not intended for public knowledge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Doctors are bound by patient confidentiality. (Medical professionals are required to keep patient information secret.)
  • The confidentiality of the negotiations was crucial for their success. (The secret nature of the talks was essential.)
  • You must sign a confidentiality agreement before viewing the documents. (You must agree to keep the information secret.)

Advanced Usage

• "Breach of confidentiality": An instance where secret information is improperly disclosed.
  • The employee was fired for a serious breach of confidentiality.
• "In strict/strictest confidentiality": With the highest level of secrecy.
  • This information is shared with you in the strictest confidentiality.

Variants and Related Words

• Confidential (adj): Meant to be kept secret; private.
  • This is a confidential report.
• Confidentially (adv): In a secret or private manner.
  • She spoke to me confidentially about her plans.

Synonyms

• Secrecy: The action of keeping something secret.
• Privacy: The state of being free from public attention.
• Discretion: The quality of behaving to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

Related Phrases

• Duty of confidentiality: A legal or ethical obligation to keep information secret.
  • Lawyers have a duty of confidentiality to their clients.
• Confidentiality clause: A section in a contract that requires secrecy.
  • The contract includes a standard confidentiality clause.

Noun

1. discretion in keeping secret information
2. the state of being secret
   • you must respect the confidentiality of your client's communications