adj
private
PREYE-viht
adj
1
Belonging to a particular person or group, rather than the public or the state.
"This road is private property."
"They travelled there in a private jet."
2
Not meant to be shared or known publicly; confidential.
"That's a private matter between me and my doctor."
3
Secluded from view or disturbance by others.
"They found a private spot in the garden to talk."
noun
1
The lowest-ranking soldier in an army.
"The private followed the sergeant's orders without question."
How to Use Private
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot public — kept to yourself, one person, or a specific group, whether that's information, property, or a place.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
private property
private school
private sector
keep something private
Word Forms
more private comparative, privated past tense, privates plural, privates singular, most private superlative
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This road is _____ property.
Etymology
From Latin privatus, "set apart" or "not belonging to the state," from privus meaning "one's own." A doublet of "privy," which comes from the same root.