confidente: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (High proficiency, less common in everyday speech)Formal, literary, or historical
Quick answer
What does “confidente” mean?
A close friend with whom one shares private feelings, secrets, or concerns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close friend with whom one shares private feelings, secrets, or concerns.
In fiction or drama, a character to whom the protagonist reveals their inner thoughts, serving as a narrative device; also, historically, a person entrusted with confidential matters in a court or political setting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling variant of 'confidant'. 'Confidante' is the feminine form, though often used generically. In American usage, 'confidant' is more common for both genders, while British usage may retain 'confidente' slightly more frequently in literary contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests formality, depth, and often a secretive or advisory role.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, with 'confidant' being the dominant unmarked term.
Grammar
How to Use “confidente” in a Sentence
[person] + be + confidante + to/of + [person][person] + confide in + [confidante]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to a trusted advisor to a CEO.
Academic
Used in literary criticism to describe a narrative device (e.g., 'Horatio is Hamlet's confidante').
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation; 'close friend' is preferred.
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “confidente”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “confidente”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “confidente”
- Misspelling as 'confident' (adjective).
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'friend' suffices.
- Overusing the feminine '-e' ending when referring to a male.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Confidante' is specifically feminine, while 'confidant' is masculine or gender-neutral. In modern usage, 'confidant' is often used for all genders, and 'confidante' is less common.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal, or literary word. In everyday conversation, people say 'close friend', 'someone I confide in', or simply use 'confidant'.
It is very rare. Terms like 'trusted advisor', 'close associate', or 'mentor' are more typical in professional settings.
It is pronounced the same as 'confidant': /ˈkɒnfɪdænt/ in British English and /ˈkɑːnfɪdænt/ in American English. The final 'e' is silent.
A close friend with whom one shares private feelings, secrets, or concerns.
Confidente is usually formal, literary, or historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A confidante of the crown”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CONFIDANTE is the person you have CONFIDENCE in to tell your secrets.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFIDANTE IS A SECRET CONTAINER (one pours secrets into them).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'confidante' MOST appropriately used?