private
UK: ˈpraɪvət | US: ˈpraɪvət
adj. belonging to or for the use of a particular person or group; not shared or public
adj. (of a person) preferring to keep personal matters confidential
n. a soldier of the lowest rank in the army
private = priv<individual> + ate<adjective suffix>
- priv (from Latin privatus, meaning "individual, personal, withdrawn from public life")
- ate (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "private" traces back to the Latin privatus, which originally meant "set apart, belonging to oneself" (from privare, "to deprive, release"). It evolved through Old French privé ("personal, secret") into Middle English, retaining the core idea of exclusivity or separation from the public sphere. The military sense (as a noun) emerged in the 16th century, denoting someone "set apart" from higher ranks.
She values her private time away from social media.
The meeting was held in a private room to ensure confidentiality.
He enlisted as a private in the army last year.
The villa has a private beach for residents only.
Financial details should remain private unless disclosed voluntarily.