proprietary
pruh-PREYE-uh-tuh-ree
Proprietary (adj) means Owned exclusively by a company or individual, often protected by patent, trademark, or trade secret. Example: “The software uses a proprietary file format that competitors can't open.”
adj
1
Owned exclusively by a company or individual, often protected by patent, trademark, or trade secret.
"The software uses a proprietary file format that competitors can't open."
"The recipe is a closely guarded proprietary secret."
"Only the company's own engineers may use this proprietary design, which is protected by law."
2
Showing a sense of ownership or possessiveness over something.
"He grew proprietary about the project after leading it for so long."
"She felt proprietary about the kitchen and disliked anyone else moving her pans."
"The old gardener gave the roses a proprietary glance, as if they were his own."
How to use proprietary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPrivately owned and controlled — often used for software, technology, or formulas that only one company can use or sell.
Common pairings
proprietary software
proprietary technology
proprietary blend
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Word forms
- Plural
- proprietaries
- Comparative
- more proprietary
- Superlative
- most proprietary
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The software uses a _____ file format that competitors can't open.
Etymology
From French propriétaire, from Latin proprietarius, related to proprietas ("property, ownership").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonproprietary
Related words
Rhymes for proprietary
See all rhymes for proprietary →Frequently asked questions
What does “proprietary” mean?
The word “proprietary” means owned exclusively by a company or individual, often protected by patent, trademark, or trade secret. In plain terms, privately owned and controlled — often used for software, technology, or formulas that only one company can use or sell.
How do you pronounce “proprietary”?
“Proprietary” is pronounced pruh-PREYE-uh-tuh-ree (/pɹəˈpɹaɪ.əˌtɛɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “proprietary” in a sentence?
Here is “proprietary” used in a sentence: “The software uses a proprietary file format that competitors can't open.”
What part of speech is “proprietary”?
“Proprietary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “proprietary” come from?
The word “proprietary” comes from Latin. From French propriétaire, from Latin proprietarius, related to proprietas ("property, ownership").
Is “proprietary” a common word?
“Proprietary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “proprietary” have?
“Proprietary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: owned exclusively by a company or individual, often protected by patent, trademark, or trade secret.
What is the difference between "proprietary" software and open-source software?
Proprietary software is owned exclusively by a company or individual and is protected by patent, trademark, or trade secret, meaning its source code and usage rights are restricted. Open-source software, by contrast, has its code made publicly available for anyone to view, modify, and share.
What does "proprietary information" mean in a business context?
Proprietary information refers to data, processes, or materials that a company owns exclusively and protects from competitors, often through trade secret or patent law. Sharing it without authorization can breach confidentiality agreements or intellectual property law.
Can "proprietary" describe a person's attitude, not just ownership of property?
Yes, "proprietary" can describe a sense of ownership or possessiveness someone shows over something, such as a person acting proprietary about an idea or relationship. This usage focuses on attitude rather than legal ownership.
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