In a confidential manner; privately and secretly, with the expectation that information will not be shared with others. Spoken or done in confidence.
From Latin 'confidentia' from 'confidere' (to have full trust) combining 'con-' (with) and 'fidere' (to trust). The adverbial form developed in English by the 17th century, maintaining the core meaning of communication based on trust and secrecy.
The word embodies one of society's most important social contracts - the agreement that certain information will be held in trust and not disclosed. This concept is so fundamental that it forms the basis of professional relationships from doctor-patient to attorney-client, and violations of confidentiality can have severe legal and ethical consequences.
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