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Privy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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privy

[ˈprɪvi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

informed about something secret or not generally known

Having knowledge of something secret or not generally known. Privy is often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone has been made aware of confidential information.

Synonyms

aware, informed, knowledgeable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
privy

Used when someone has access to secret or private information, usually in formal or serious contexts.

  • She was privy to the confidential discussions between the executives.
  • He became privy to the details of the secret project.
informed

Used when someone has received accurate and detailed information about something, often implying they can make educated decisions.

  • As a consumer, you should be informed about your rights.
  • The judge needs to be fully informed before making a ruling.
aware

Used to describe someone who has general knowledge or understanding of a situation or fact.

  • I wasn't aware of the meeting that was scheduled for today.
  • She is very much aware of the challenges ahead.
knowledgeable

Used to describe someone who has a lot of knowledge in a particular area, often due to experience or study.

  • She is very knowledgeable about medieval history.
  • He became knowledgeable in computer science after years of study.

Examples of usage

  • I was privy to the company's financial statements before they were released to the public.
  • She was privy to the details of the top-secret mission.
Context #2 | Noun

a toilet located in a small shed or outhouse

A small outbuilding containing a toilet. Privy is an old-fashioned term for an outhouse or an outdoor toilet.

Synonyms

latrine, outhouse, toilet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
privy

Use this in historical or very formal contexts. It is often found in older texts or when referring to an ancient or medieval setting.

  • The medieval castle had a simple privy in the corner of the courtyard.
outhouse

This word is used to describe a small, separate building used as a toilet, typically found in rural areas or older properties.

  • The farmhouse had an old outhouse at the back of the yard.
latrine

This is commonly used in military or camping settings. It is more formal and can sometimes imply a shared or outdoor bathroom.

  • The soldiers were instructed to use the latrine built near the campsite.
toilet

This is the most common and neutral term for a bathroom or restroom fixture where people relieve themselves. It is suitable for everyday conversation.

  • Can you tell me where the toilet is, please?

Examples of usage

  • The only bathroom on the campsite was a privy located behind the main building.
  • The privy was a simple wooden structure with a hole in the ground.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Terms

  • In legal contexts, being 'privy' means to have a connection or participation in a legal agreement or event.
  • This term is essential in law to establish confidentiality or privilege in communication, especially in lawyer-client relationships.
  • A 'privy council' in certain governments advises the monarch and is an example of a group privy to sensitive information.

Pop Culture

  • 'Privy' appears in various TV shows and movies to describe characters involved in clandestine activities or secret societies.
  • In literature, authors often use this word to convey themes of secrecy, trust, and hidden knowledge.
  • The phrase 'privy to secrets' is often used in thrillers and mysteries, highlighting characters who possess crucial information.

Sociolinguistics

  • The use of 'privy' can signify social status, as being in the know is often associated with power dynamics in groups.
  • Certain social circles often use 'privy' to describe select individuals who hold insider knowledge, creating a sense of exclusivity.
  • The evolution of language illustrates how the term has shifted from a general sense of private knowledge to more complex social implications.

History

  • In ancient times, private knowledge often pertained to royalty, where only select advisers were 'privy' to important plans or secrets.
  • The concept of being 'privy' has historical roots in defining relationships among individuals in power and those they govern.
  • During the Renaissance, the courts often had privy chambers where only the trusted were allowed, cementing the term's association with secrecy.

Origin of 'privy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'privatus,' meaning 'private' or 'withdrawn from company.'
  • In Middle English, it referred to something that is kept a secret, which has evolved to its current usage today.
  • Historically, 'privy' also meant a small, private room, like a bathroom.

The word privy has its origins in Middle English, coming from the Old French word prive, which means private or secret. Over time, the meaning of privy has evolved to include both the sense of being informed about secret information and the sense of a toilet located outside a main building. The term privy has been used in English for centuries, reflecting the importance of privacy and secrecy in society.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,961, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.