confidants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confidants" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to individuals with whom one shares secrets or private matters, indicating a level of trust and intimacy in the relationship. Example: "She confided her deepest fears to her closest confidants, knowing they would keep her secrets safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or do we have to explore more imaginative methods of establishing physical presence to do with voice, movement, sexuality... Week 8 - Wednesday 18 November In the first half of this session we will draw on written exercises to explore another key question in the creation of biography: who are the friends, lovers, partners, parents, confidants of the subject of your biography.

The Guardian

Mr Sharif rushed to Mr Mir's bedside, supposedly telling confidants that he would rather be ousted in a coup than allow Geo to be closed down.In the event, the army got its way after an ugly period in which Geo's journalists were harassed, the station sued the ISI for defamation and its commercial rivals accused it of everything from blasphemy to being "anti-state".

The Economist

It all made sense then: the streamers, balloons and pumping music of his rallies; the ruthlessness and single-handedness; the lack of confidants, save staffers who called him "Leader"; the crowd-pleasing policies, and the crowd abjuring ways.

The Economist

Last September, he replaced Willy Bosmans, head of Electrabel, with one of his confidants, Jean-Pierre Hansen strikingly, Mr Hansen is also Belgian.

The Economist

They also include confidants of the parties' leaders, Mrs Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed of the Awami League (AL).

The Economist

A YEAR ago, as Ashraf Ghani (above, right) was about to declare his candidacy to become Afghanistan's president, he told confidants that his dream was to win the election and then persuade the man he perceived to be his biggest threat, Abdullah Abdullah (above, left) to join his government.

The Economist

King Bhumibol is too self-disciplined, and his confidants too discreet, to give Mr Handley the material he needs to flesh out the stern, ubiquitous royal portraits.

The Economist

According to one of his confidants, the general has developed the usual dictator's tic of thinking himself indispensable.

The Economist

During the campaign Ali al-Sistani, the 83-year-old grand ayatollah whose influence was pre-eminent in the early years after the American invasion, was silent, but other prominent clergymen in Najaf, including one of Mr Sistani's closest confidants, called for change.

The Economist

Then he sought to draw the poison circulating through the bank's staff by promising to look again at how he ran the place, relying less on a coterie of confidants and drawing more on the experience of career employees.But this week, as he gave his testimony at a hearing held by the bank's directors, it was once again easy to see him as the man who defied world opinion in plotting the Iraq war.

The Economist

As well as having worked for Mr Clinton, Mr Steinberg and Mr Ross are both confidants of the president-elect.And Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton might even turn out to get on famously.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the connotation of secrecy when choosing "confidants" over more neutral terms like "friends" or "associates".

Common error

Don't use "confidants" to describe casual acquaintances or individuals with whom only superficial information is shared. The term implies a deep level of trust and intimacy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "confidants" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple individuals in whom someone confides, sharing secrets and personal information. Ludwig confirms the term's proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

Independent

11%

Less common in

The New Yorker

7%

The Guardian

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confidants" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun that signifies individuals trusted with secrets and personal matters. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, implying a level of trust and intimacy. When using the word, ensure the context reflects a genuine relationship built on confidence and discretion. Related phrases include "trusted friends" and "close associates", each carrying slightly different nuances. Avoid using "confidants" for casual acquaintances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal confidantes

A more descriptive variation of "confidants", emphasizing the personal nature of the relationship.

trusted friends

Emphasizes the aspect of friendship and reliance, potentially lacking the implication of secret-sharing.

intimates

Focuses on the close personal relationship and familiarity, suggesting a high level of emotional connection.

closest allies

Stresses the aspect of mutual support and shared goals, potentially in a political or strategic context.

close associates

Highlights the professional or social connection, but may not imply deep personal trust.

inner circle

Refers to a select group of people with privileged access and influence, often implying strategic importance.

trusted advisors

Highlights the role of providing reliable advice and guidance, suggesting a professional or mentor-like relationship.

private advisors

Highlights the role of giving counsel and guidance, implying a formal or professional relationship.

soulmates

Emphasizes a deep, spiritual connection and understanding, often used in romantic contexts.

partners in crime

Implies shared mischief or risky ventures, often used humorously to describe close accomplices.

FAQs

How can I use "confidants" in a sentence?

"Confidants" refers to people you trust with secrets or private matters. For example, "She shared her fears with her closest confidants." You can also use "confidants" to describe people to which a person expresses his opinions or thoughts.

What's the difference between "confidants" and "friends"?

While both terms describe people you like and trust, "confidants" implies a deeper level of trust and the sharing of private information. "Friends" are companions, but not all friends are necessarily confidants.

What can I say instead of "confidants"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trusted friends", "close associates", or "intimates".

Is "confidantes" also a valid word?

"Confidantes" is the feminine plural form of "confidant" in French. While sometimes used in English, "confidants" is generally accepted as the standard plural form regardless of gender.