Usage Note
Avouer means to admit or confess something — a mistake, a crime, or a feeling. It is slightly more formal or emotionally weighted than admettre. J'avoue que... is a common conversational opener meaning 'I have to admit that...' or 'I'll be honest...'. The noun aveu (confession) is found in the phrase de son propre aveu (by his own admission).
Examples
"Il a avoué avoir menti."
Natural Translation
He admitted to having lied.

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