private

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprʌɪvət/

adjective

  • 1belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only: all bedrooms have private facilities his private plane
  • (of a conversation, activity, or gathering) involving only a particular person or group, and often dealing with matters that are not to be disclosed to others: this is a private conversation a small private service in the chapel
  • (of thoughts and feelings) not to be revealed to others: she felt awkward at intruding on private grief
  • (of a person) choosing not to reveal their thoughts and feelings to others: he was a very private man
  • (of a place) quiet and free from people who may interrupt: can we go somewhere a little more private?
  • [predic.] (especially of two people) alone and undisturbed by others: we can phone from the library—we’ll be private in there
  • 2(of a person) having no official or public role or position: the paintings were sold to a private collector
  • not connected with one’s work or official position: the ambassador visited the school in a private capacity
  • 3(of a service or industry) provided or owned by an individual or an independent, commercial company rather than the state: this research was carried out by private industry
  • (of education or medical treatment) conducted outside the state system and charging fees to those who make use of it: private education if I could afford it I’d go private
  • relating to or denoting a transaction between individuals and not involving commercial organizations: it was a private sale—no estate agent’s commission

noun

  • 1the lowest rank in the army, below lance corporal or private first class.

Phrases

in private

with no one else present: I’ve got to talk to you in private

Origin:

late Middle English (originally denoting a person not acting in an official capacity): from Latin privatus 'withdrawn from public life', a use of the past participle of privare 'bereave, deprive', from privus 'single, individual'