Meaning & Definition of word "Private"

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.