fess
word
Definition
(Informal, chiefly US) To confess or admit something, usually used in the phrase 'fess up' when someone is being honest about something they did.
Usage & Nuances
'Fess' is always informal and almost always used in the phrase 'fess up'. Most common in American English. It is similar to 'confess' but more casual. Not used in formal writing.
Spanish: confesar (informal) - admitir (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): confessar (informal) - admitir (coloquial)Portuguese (PT): confessar (informal) - admitir (coloquial)Chinese (Simplified): 坦白 (口语) - 承认 (口语)Chinese (Traditional): 坦白 (口語) - 承認 (口語)Hindi: कबूल करना (अनौपचारिक) - मानना (स्लैंग)Arabic: اعترف (عامية) - أقر (غير رسمي)
Example Sentences
He didn't want to fess to making a mistake.
basic
It's better to fess up now than later.
basic
You should fess up if you broke the window.
basic
Come on, just fess up! We all know it was you.
natural
Eventually, she had to fess up to her parents.
natural
If you fess up now, you might avoid more trouble.
natural