privacy
PRIHV-uh-see
Privacy (noun) means the state of being free from observation or intrusion by others. Example: “She closed the blinds to have some privacy while getting changed.”
noun
1
The state of being free from observation or intrusion by others.
"She closed the blinds to have some privacy while getting changed."
"The new law aims to protect consumer privacy online."
"Hotel guests can hang a sign on the door to ensure their privacy."
2
Freedom from having personal information exposed, monitored, or shared without consent.
"The company was fined for violating users' privacy."
"Always check the app's settings if you care about your privacy."
"Doctors must respect patient privacy and keep medical records confidential."
How to use privacy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing left alone, unobserved, and in control of your own personal information.
Common pairings
invade someone's privacy
privacy settings
right to privacy
a lack of privacy
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Word forms
- Plural
- privacies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She closed the blinds to have some _____ while getting changed.
Etymology
Built from "private" plus the noun-forming suffix -cy, following the same pattern as "accuracy" from "accurate."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for privacy
See all rhymes for privacy →Frequently asked questions
What does “privacy” mean?
The word “privacy” means the state of being free from observation or intrusion by others. In plain terms, being left alone, unobserved, and in control of your own personal information.
How do you pronounce “privacy”?
“Privacy” is pronounced PRIHV-uh-see (/ˈpɹaɪ.və.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “privacy” in a sentence?
Here is “privacy” used in a sentence: “She closed the blinds to have some privacy while getting changed.”
What part of speech is “privacy”?
“Privacy” is a noun.
Is “privacy” a common word?
“Privacy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “privacy” have?
“Privacy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being free from observation or intrusion by others.
What is the difference between privacy and secrecy?
Privacy is the state of being free from observation or intrusion and having control over your personal information, while secrecy is the active concealment of information from others. Privacy is something people expect by default, whereas secrecy usually implies deliberately hiding something.
What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality?
Privacy belongs to the individual and concerns their freedom from intrusion and control over their own information, while confidentiality is the duty of others to protect information they have been given. A doctor keeps records confidential in order to protect a patient's privacy.
How do you spell "privacy" correctly?
The correct spelling is "privacy," with the letter sequence p-r-i-v-a-c-y. A common mistake is dropping the second "a" before the "cy" ending.
What are common collocations with "privacy"?
Frequent pairings include "invasion of privacy," "right to privacy," "privacy policy," "data privacy," and "personal privacy." Many of these relate to protecting personal information from being exposed or shared without consent.
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