Main Entry: ¹pri·vate

Pronunciation: \ˈprī-vət\

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 <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
3 a : withdrawn from company or observation <a private retreat> b : not known or intended to be known publicly : secret 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