Confess
/kənˈfɛs/noun
To admit or acknowledge something, especially a fault, crime, or belief.
Did you know?In Latin, *confiteri* meant not just to admit, but to openly acknowledge before others, and that public pressure is why confession became so powerful in religion, law, and ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeh₂-
“to speak, say”
Latin
Latin
fateri
“to admit, confess, acknowledge”
Latin
Latin
confiteri
“to acknowledge openly, admit”
Old French
Old French
confesser
“to confess, admit sin”
Middle English
English
confessen
“to admit, acknowledge wrongdoing”
Modern English
English
confess
“to admit or acknowledge something, especially a fault or crime”