confidant

Everyday

A person you trust and tell your secrets and private feelings to. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a character often has a confidant — a best friend, a grandparent, a teacher — who keeps their secrets. In wellbeing lessons pupils are encouraged to have a trusted adult to talk to. It tells the reader there is someone the character trusts deeply. Similar: «trusted friend».

Examples

• Grandma was my closest confidant when I was little. tree →
• The king's confidant knew all his plans. tree →
• She became her sister's confidant after the move. tree →
• Everyone needs a confidant to share worries with. tree →
• In the story, the dog is the boy's only confidant. tree →
• A good confidant listens and keeps secrets safe — unless someone is in danger. tree →

Note

Say «KON-fih-dant» or «kon-fih-DAHNT». «Confidante» (with an e) is sometimes used for a woman. Trap: «confidant» (a person) is not «confident» (sure of yourself). Safety: if a secret means someone is being hurt, tell a trusted adult even if it was told in confidence.