Definition

Adverb: * In a confidential manner; privately, in a way meant to be kept secret or shared only with trusted people. It describes how information is communicated or a manner of speaking that implies secrecy and trust.

Usage

Use "confidentially" to modify a verb (like speak, tell, share) to indicate that an action is done in a private, secret, or trusting way. * It often precedes or follows the verb it modifies. * It is commonly used to introduce or frame a statement that is meant to be a secret.

Examples

• Modifying a verb:
  • She leaned forward and spoke confidentially.
  • The manager told me confidentially that the project was over budget.
  • "Between you and me," he said confidentially, "I think she's going to resign."
• Introductory phrase:
  • Confidentially, I heard they are getting a divorce.
  • Just between us—and I say this confidentially—the deal is almost closed.

Advanced Usage

• "In confidence" vs. "Confidentially": These phrases are often interchangeable. "Spoke to him in confidence" has a very similar meaning to "spoke to him confidentially."
• Legal/Formal Contexts: Used to label documents or communications (e.g., ) to denote restricted access.

Variants and Related Words

• Confidential (adjective): Meant to be kept secret; private.
  • This is confidential information.
  • She is my confidential secretary.
• Confidence (noun):
  • The feeling of trust in someone's ability.

    • I have full confidence in her.
  • A secret or private matter told to someone in trust.

    • She shared a personal confidence with her friend.

Synonyms

• Privately: In a private manner, not in public.
• In secret: Without others knowing.
• Between ourselves/us: A phrase used to request confidentiality.
• Off the record: Not for publication or official attribution (common in journalism).

Antonyms

• Publicly: In a public manner; openly.
• Openly: Without concealment or secrecy.

Related Phrases

• In strict confidence: Emphasizing the utmost secrecy.
  • The information was shared in strict confidence.
• Just between you and me: A casual introductory phrase requesting confidentiality.
  • Just between you and me, I don't think the plan will work.

Adverb

1. in a confidential manner
   • spoke to him intimately and confidentially