Confidant vs. Confidante: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 19, 2023
A confidant is someone trusted with secrets, typically male, while a confidante is the female counterpart.
Key Differences
A confidant refers to a person with whom one shares secrets or private matters, trusting them not to divulge these secrets. Typically, in English, "confidant" is gender-neutral but can be skewed towards males. On the other hand, confidante, with the added 'e' at the end, specifically denotes a female individual in whom secrets are confided.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
The term confidant originates from the French word "confident," which translates to "trusting" or "confiding." In its usage, confidant often implies a deep level of trust, suggesting the presence of a close bond or relationship. Confidante, with its distinct feminine ending, similarly emanates from French, pointing directly to a woman who holds another's trust.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
In some contexts, particularly in older literature or in non-American English usages, the distinction between confidant (male) and confidante (female) is upheld strictly. However, in modern American English, "confidant" is increasingly viewed as gender-neutral, encompassing individuals of any gender. Meanwhile, the term confidante remains feminine.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Both confidant and confidante underscore the importance of trust in interpersonal relationships. Whether revealing personal feelings, sharing sensitive information, or confiding fears, having a confidant or confidante can be therapeutic. It's imperative, however, to ensure that the distinction between the two is clear, particularly when gender specificity is crucial to the context.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
In the grand spectrum of language, the differentiation between confidant and confidante might seem minor. Yet, such nuances enrich the tapestry of communication, enabling more precise conveyance of thought, feeling, and intention.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Derived from French "confident"
Feminine version of "confident" in French
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Usage in Literature
Often found denoting male figures of trust
Designates female figures in whom secrets are confided
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Modern American English
Increasingly accepted as gender-neutral
Remains female-specific
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Confidant and Confidante Definitions
Confidant
A close friend or associate to whom one confides.
Over the years, she became his most trusted confidant.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Confidante
A woman entrusted with personal secrets or private matters.
Lucy became her confidante during those turbulent times.
Huma Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Confidant
Someone reliable for advice or emotional support.
Whenever she faced a dilemma, her confidant was always there.
Huma Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Confidante
A female friend to whom one reveals private feelings or concerns.
Over cups of tea, she poured out her heart to her confidante.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Confidant
A male recipient of personal revelations.
As her brother, he was her closest confidant.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
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Confidante
A lady in whom significant trust is placed.
As a confidante, she held the secrets of many.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Confidant
A person trusted with secrets or private affairs.
Mark served as a confidant to the king, hearing his most private concerns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Confidante
A female figure embodying trustworthiness and loyalty.
The queen had a close circle of advisors, but her true confidante was her sister.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Confidant
An individual in whom one places significant trust.
As a confidant, he never betrayed her secrets.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Confidante
A woman known for her discretion and counsel.
Whenever life got tough, she turned to her confidante for guidance.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Confidant
A character in a drama or fiction, such as a trusted friend or servant, who serves as a device for revealing the inner thoughts or intentions of a main character.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2019
Confidante
A type of settee having a seat at each end at right angles to the main seats.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2019
Confidant
One to whom secrets, especially those relating to affairs of love, are confided or intrusted; a confidential or bosom friend.
You love me for no other endThan to become my confidant and friend;As such I keep no secret from your sight.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2019
FAQs
Are these terms derived from French?
Yes, both "confidant" and "confidante" have French origins.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Is "confidant" gender-specific?
While historically male-associated, "confidant" is now often used in a gender-neutral manner.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can animals, like dogs, be seen as confidants?
Figuratively, yes. People often "confide" in pets due to their non-judgmental nature.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
How prevalent is the gender-neutral use of "confidant" in American English?
It's increasingly common, reflecting broader shifts in language towards gender neutrality.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
What is a confidant?
A confidant is someone with whom one shares private matters or secrets, traditionally male.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can "confidante" refer to a close female friend without any secrets shared?
Typically, "confidante" implies trust and shared secrets, but it can hint at closeness.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Are confidant and confidante formal terms?
While not strictly formal, they do have a sophisticated tone compared to "friend."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What defines a confidante?
A confidante is the female version of a confidant, someone trusted with personal secrets.
Huma Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are there any synonyms for confidant?
Yes, synonyms include "advisor," "ally," and "counselor."
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Does the distinction between confidant and confidante still matter?
In specific contexts, especially where gender is pertinent, the distinction can be crucial.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How should one choose between using confidant and confidante?
Consider the gender of the person referred to and the context's formality.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are there masculine and feminine forms for other English words?
Yes, like "actor" and "actress" or "blond" and "blonde."
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
How did "confidante" come to denote females?
The "e" ending in French often denotes femininity, influencing the English usage.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Can a therapist or counselor be seen as a confidant?
Often, yes. Professionals privy to personal details can be confidants in a specific context.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Does confidante always signify a deep bond?
Generally, being labeled a confidante suggests a significant level of trust and closeness.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Do other languages have similar distinctions like confidant and confidante?
Yes, many languages, especially Romance languages, have gender distinctions in nouns.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Can a confidant or confidante be a family member?
Absolutely. Anyone trusted deeply, be it friend or family, can be a confidant/confidante.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can "confidant" be used for both males and females in modern English?
In modern American English, "confidant" can often denote individuals of any gender.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Does trust always imply someone is a confidant?
Not necessarily. Trust can exist without confiding secrets.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
