Formal and Informal Expressions of private

In different contexts, you can replace 'private' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'confidential, restricted' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'secret, hush-hush' is a commonplace synonym.

private: Explore its Definition & Usage

private Definition

1belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only
2not to be shared with or known by other people
3having personal or sensitive information about someone or something

Using private: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "private" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I have a private office.
Example
Please keep my email private.
Example
The company has access to my private information.
Example
He is a very private person and doesn't like to share much about himself.
Example
The beach is part of a private estate and is not open to the public.

private Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for private

Antonyms for private

Idioms Using private

in private
away from other people, or without other people knowing
Example
Can we talk in private for a moment?
make it private
to keep something secret or confidential
Example
I'll tell you, but you have to promise to make it private.
private joke
a joke that is understood only by a small group of people who share a common experience or knowledge
Example
They laughed at the private joke, leaving everyone else confused.

Phrases with private

private property
land or belongings owned by a particular person or group of people, rather than by the government or public
Example
The protesters were arrested for trespassing on private property.
private sector
the part of the economy that is made up of private companies and businesses, rather than government organizations
Example
The government is encouraging more investment in the private sector.
private life
the personal aspects of a person's life that are not involved with their work or public activities
Example
He keeps his private life separate from his professional life.

Origins of private

from Latin 'privatus', meaning 'withdrawn from public life'

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Summary: private in Brief

The term 'private' [ˈpraɪvət] refers to something belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only, not to be shared with or known by other people, or having personal or sensitive information about someone or something. It extends into phrases like 'private property,' and idioms like 'in private,' denoting secrecy or confidentiality.