confessional
UK: kənˈfeʃən(ə)l | US: kənˈfeʃən(ə)l
n. 1. A small enclosed booth in a church where a priest hears confessions.
adj. 2. Relating to or characteristic of confession, especially in a religious context.
adj. 3. (of writing or speech) Openly admitting personal thoughts or feelings.
The word "confessional" traces back to the Latin confiteri ("to acknowledge, admit"), combining con- (intensive prefix) + fateri ("to admit"). The suffix -ion forms nouns denoting action or state, while -al turns it into an adjective. Originally tied to religious confession, the term expanded to describe any candid admission of thoughts or experiences.
The priest waited inside the confessional to hear the parishioner's sins.
Her memoir was deeply confessional, revealing private struggles.
The church's ornate confessional dates back to the 18th century.
He adopted a confessional tone during the interview.
Modern poetry often embraces a confessional style.