conf

IPA/kˈɒnf/
IPA/kˈɑːnf/

conf — abbreviation

1. a short way of writing the word 'conference', used in notes, schedules, calendar

1.abbreviationB1
Definition

a short way of writing the word 'conference', used in notes, schedules, calendars, and informal messages to refer to a large formal meeting where people discuss a particular subject.

Example

The tech conf in Taipei drew over five thousand developers this year.

abbreviation for 'conference' in event names

Niran's flight lands at three, right before the conf starts.

Synonyms
  • conference

    the full written form; 'conf' is only used in informal shorthand contexts

Usage Note

This abbreviation appears most often in written schedules, email subject lines, calendar entries, and informal notes. In formal writing the full word 'conference' is preferred.

2. a short way of writing the word 'confidential', used as a label on documents, em

2.abbreviationB2
Definition

a short way of writing the word 'confidential', used as a label on documents, emails, or files to indicate that the information is private and should not be shared with unauthorized people.

Example

The lawyer marked every email from the client as 'conf'.

label on written communication

Please keep this report conf — do not share it with anyone outside the team.

Common collocations
  • marked conf
  • labeled conf
  • stamped conf
Synonyms
  • confidential

    the full written form; 'conf' is a shorthand label used on the document itself

  • private

    informal alternative with a similar meaning but not abbreviated

Antonyms
  • public

    the opposite level of access — information that anyone can see

Usage Note

When used as a label, 'conf' is typically written in lowercase inside quotation marks or preceded by a label word ('marked', 'stamped', 'labeled'). The full word 'confidential' is expected in formal legal or government documents.

Common Mistakes

I marked the file conf' (missing quotes or label context).
I marked the file as "conf".
the abbreviation should be placed inside label wording or quotes for clarity.

Word family

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Conf is a shortened form of two distinct words, 'conference' and 'confidential', both borrowed into English from Latin. 'Conference' comes from Latin 'conferre' (to bring together), while 'confidential' comes from Latin 'confidere' (to trust). The abbreviation follows a common English pattern where the first syllable—or first few letters—of a word stands for the whole word in informal note-taking and labeling.