confidential

Everyday

1. Confidential information is secret and should only be seen or shared by certain people. tree →
2. Confidential describes a quiet, private way of speaking that shows you trust someone: «in a confidential voice». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life doctors, schools and banks keep records confidential. In e-safety, passwords and personal details are confidential and must not be shared online. In stories a character whispers in a confidential tone. Phrases: strictly confidential, keep confidential, in confidence.

Examples

• Your medical records are confidential. tree →
• This letter is strictly confidential. tree →
• Keep your password confidential. tree →
• She told me in a confidential whisper. tree →
• The school keeps pupils' details confidential. tree →
• Please treat this information as confidential. tree →

Note

Spelling: con-fi-den-tial, «-tial». Noun «confidentiality». Safety: if an adult asks you to keep something confidential that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted grown-up — some secrets should not be kept.