Private Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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private

[ˈpraɪvət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

conversation

Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only.

Synonyms

confidential, exclusive, personal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
private	Use when referring to something not meant to be shared with others, particularly personal matters or spaces. He kept his private thoughts to himself They had a private meeting in his office
exclusive	Refers to something accessible only to a specific group, often implying luxury or privilege. They were invited to join an exclusive club The hotel offers exclusive beachfront access to its guests
confidential	Used in formal or professional settings to indicate that information should not be shared with others. The lawyer emphasized that their discussion was confidential The company maintains confidential records of all employees
personal	Used to describe matters that relate to someone's private life or emotions. She shared some personal stories with her friend This is a personal issue that I would rather not discuss

Examples of usage

I have a private office where I can work without interruptions.
This is a private conversation, please do not listen in.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business

An army officer of the lowest rank, in specific a private soldier.

Synonyms

infantryman, soldier, trooper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
private	Refers to the lowest rank in the army, typically used for junior enlisted personnel. This term is formal and is commonly seen in military documents or discussions. Private Johnson reported for duty The private was assigned to kitchen duty
soldier	General term for any member of an army, regardless of rank or role. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. The soldier received a medal for bravery Soldiers were deployed to the conflict zone
trooper	Often refers to soldiers in specialized units such as paratroopers or state police. This term can also imply toughness and resilience. The trooper jumped out of the airplane As a state trooper, he had to manage highway patrols
infantryman	Specifically refers to a soldier trained for combat in the army's infantry unit. This word highlights the role within the military branch. The infantryman engaged in a fierce battle An infantryman must be prepared for close combat

Examples of usage

He started as a private in the military and worked his way up to sergeant.
The privates were responsible for cleaning their own gear.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

finance

A person of the lowest rank in a company or organization.

Synonyms

employee, staff member, worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
private	Use in settings where confidentiality or personal ownership is emphasized. Can refer to a private meeting, private property, or a person who wants to keep things to themselves. Also used in a military context to refer to a low-ranking soldier. He invited me to his private office for a discussion. This beach is private property. In the military, she served as a private.
employee	Appropriate in formal or professional settings to describe someone who works for an organization or company. The company has over 500 employees. She is a dedicated employee who always meets her deadlines.
staff member	Used to refer to people working at a school, hospital, or other institution. It implies being part of a team or group. Each staff member has specific roles and responsibilities. The school hired a new staff member for the library.
worker	Commonly used to describe someone who performs manual or hourly work. It can sometimes carry a neutral or slightly informal tone. Factory workers often have to work in shifts. Construction workers started at dawn.

Examples of usage

He worked his way up from a private to a manager in the company.
Privates are usually the first to be informed about company news.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'private'

The word 'private' originated from the Latin word 'privatus', which means 'belonging to oneself, not for public use'. The term has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to exclusivity, confidentiality, and personal ownership. In the military context, 'private' refers to the lowest rank, while in business, it denotes a lower-level employee. The concept of privacy and individual ownership remains central to the definition of 'private'.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #430, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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427 nor
428 size
429 member
430 private
431 test
432 established
433 rights
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