n.
Pronunciation: ' pr ī -v ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English privat, from Anglo-French, from Latin privatus, from past participle of privare to deprive, release, from privus private, individual; probably akin to Latin pro for, in front of ― more at FOR
Date: 14th century
1 a : intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class <a private park> b : belonging to or concerning an individual person, company, or interest <a private house> c (1) : restricted to the individual or arising independently of others < private opinion> (2) : carried on by the individual independently of the usual institutions < private study> <a doctor in private practice> also : being educated by independent study or a tutor or in a private school < private students> d : not general in effect <a private statute> e : of, relating to, or receiving hospital service in which the patient has more privileges than a semiprivate or ward patient
2 a (1) : not holding public office or employment <a private citizen> (2) : not related to one's official position : PERSONAL < private correspondence> b : being a private <a private soldier>
3 a : withdrawn from company or observation : SEQUESTERED <a private retreat> b : not known or intended to be known publicly : SECRET <a private conversation> c : preferring to keep personal affairs to oneself : valuing privacy highly d : unsuitable for public use or display
4 : not having shares that can be freely traded on the open market <a private company>
– pri · vate · ly adverb
– pri · vate · ness noun