Private: meaning, definitions and examples

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private

[ ˈpraɪvət ]

^{Context #1}

conversation

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

Synonyms

confidential, exclusive, personal

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}

business

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

Synonyms

infantryman, soldier, trooper

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}

finance

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

Synonyms

employee, staff member, worker

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

Translations of the word "private" in other languages:

🇵🇹 privado

🇮🇳 निजी

🇩🇪 privat

🇮🇩 pribadi

🇺🇦 приватний

🇵🇱 prywatny

🇯🇵 プライベート

🇫🇷 privé

🇪🇸 privado

🇹🇷 özel

🇰🇷 사적인

🇸🇦 خاص

🇨🇿 soukromý

🇸🇰 súkromný

🇨🇳 私人

🇸🇮 zasebno

🇮🇸 einkamál

🇰🇿 жеке

🇬🇪 პირადი

🇦🇿 şəxsi

🇲🇽 privado

Word origin

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'.