Meaning & Definition of word "Private"
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Private
/ˈpraɪ.vət/
noun:
- 1. A person of a rank below that of a sergeant in the army.
- Example: The private was awarded a medal for his bravery during the battle.
adjective:
- 1. Intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person or group.
- Example: She has a private office where she can work without interruptions.
- 2. Not public; belonging to and controlled by an individual or group.
- Example: He made a private investment in the startup company.
- 3. Personal; confidential.
- Example: He shared some private thoughts with his closest friends.
- 4. Not open or accessible to the public.
- Example: The private event was invite-only, and no outsiders were allowed.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin 'privatus' meaning 'separated, removed, or personal'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
private matter:
A subject that should remain confidential and not be disclosed to others.
private life:
The aspect of a person's life that is not known to the public.
private property:
Land or possessions that are owned by an individual and not open to the public.
Related Words
privatization:
The process of transferring ownership of property or businesses from the public sector to private individuals.
privilege:
A special right or advantage granted to a person or group.
Slang Meanings of private
Meaning: A term sometimes used to refer to someone who is reserved or introverted.
Example Sentence: He's so private, you hardly ever see him at parties.
Meaning: Used in tech to denote secure or location-restricted content.
Example Sentence: Make sure your account settings are private for better security.