private
Private (adj) means belonging to a particular person or group, rather than the public or the state. Example: “This road is private property.”
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.
Word forms
more private comparative, privated past tense, privates plural, privates singular, most private superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for private
See all rhymes for private →Frequently asked questions
What does “private” mean?
The word “private” means belonging to a particular person or group, rather than the public or the state. In plain terms, not public — kept to yourself, one person, or a specific group, whether that's information, property, or a place.
How do you pronounce “private”?
“Private” is pronounced PREYE-viht ([ˈpʰɹaɪ̯vɪt] in IPA).
How do you use “private” in a sentence?
Here is “private” used in a sentence: “This road is private property.”
What is the opposite of “private”?
The opposite of “private” — its antonyms — is public.
What part of speech is “private”?
Depending on how it is used, “private” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “private” come from?
The word “private” comes from Latin. 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.
Is “private” a common word?
“Private” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “private” have?
“Private” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to a particular person or group, rather than the public or the state.
What is the difference between private and privy?
Private is an adjective meaning belonging to a particular person or group rather than the public. Privy is more specialised: to be privy to something means to share in secret knowledge of it. You keep private matters to yourself, but you are privy to information others do not have. Only 'private' describes ownership.
What is the difference between private and public?
Private describes what belongs to a particular person, company, or group and is closed to outsiders. Public describes what belongs to or is open to everyone — the state, the community, or society at large. A private garden serves one household; a public park serves all. They are direct opposites in ownership and access.
What are the different meanings of private?
Beyond ownership, private has several senses. It can mean personal or confidential, as in private thoughts or a private conversation. It can mean secluded, like a private corner of a restaurant. As a noun, a private is the lowest rank of soldier. The core idea is always something kept apart from the general public.
Is private a formal word?
Private is neutral and works in both everyday and formal settings. You might discuss a private matter with a friend or sign a document about a private company. It carries no strong positive or negative tone on its own, though it can imply secrecy or exclusivity depending on the context in which it appears.
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