Noun (masculine)
/siˈxilo/
The term "sigilo" refers to the quality of being secretive or discreet. In a general context, it indicates the ability to keep information confidential or to act in a stealthy manner. In legal contexts, "sigilo" is often used to describe the confidentiality of legal proceedings or sensitive information that should not be disclosed to the public or unauthorized individuals.
Frequency of Use: "Sigilo" is commonly used in both oral and written forms, especially in legal documents, discussions, media, and literature.
The lawyer must maintain secrecy about the details of the case to protect his client.
La investigación se realizó con total sigilo para no alertar a los sospechosos.
The investigation was conducted with complete stealth so as not to alert the suspects.
Es importante actuar con sigilo cuando se trata de información sensible.
The word "sigilo" appears in several idiomatic expressions highlighting secrecy and discretion:
It’s better to act discreetly if you don’t want anyone to find out about your plan.
Bajo sigilo: Hacer algo de manera confidencial, a menudo utilizado en situaciones legales o de negocios.
The agreement was signed in secrecy and cannot be disclosed.
Con sigilo: Indica que se lleva a cabo una acción con cuidado para no ser notado.
The word "sigilo" originates from the Latin term "sigillum," which means "seal" or "signature." Historically, seals were used to indicate confidentiality and authority, giving rise to the modern meaning of the word relating to secrecy.
In summary, "sigilo" is a versatile term used in both general and legal contexts to convey the importance of secrecy and discretion, featuring prominently in idiomatic expressions that highlight the need for confidentiality in various situations.