Confession means admitting that you've done something wrong. When you confess, you tell the truth about a mistake or wrongdoing, even though it might be uncomfortable or embarrassing. A student who breaks a classroom rule and then confesses to the teacher is taking responsibility instead of hiding what happened.

The word comes from religious practice, where people confess their sins or moral failures to seek forgiveness. In Catholic churches, believers may enter a small private booth called a confessional to speak with a priest about wrongdoings. But confession happens everywhere: a friend might confess they accidentally broke your toy, or a suspect might confess to a crime during questioning by police.

Confessing takes courage because it means facing consequences. It can also bring relief. Carrying around a secret about something you did wrong can feel heavy and anxious. When you confess, that weight may lift, even if you still face punishment. People often respect someone who confesses because it shows honesty and accountability.

Sometimes people use confession more lightly to mean admitting any truth, even something not wrong: “I have a confession. I've never actually read that book everyone loves.” But the core meaning remains: saying aloud something you've been keeping to yourself, something true that's difficult to share.