Private
'praɪvɪt
Definitions
3 meaningsBelonging to a particular person or group; not shared or public.
'praɪvɪt
Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only.
This is private property; please do not enter.
💡 Simply: Like when you have your own special toys or a secret place that only you and your best friend can go to. It means it's *yours* and not for sharing with everyone.
👶 For kids: Something that's only for you or a few people, like your secret diary!
More Examples
She had a private conversation with her boss.
The data is kept private and confidential.
How It's Used
"The company operates as a private entity."
"He keeps his personal life private."
A soldier of the lowest rank in an army.
'praɪvɪt
A soldier of the lowest rank.
The private reported to his sergeant for duty.
💡 Simply: The very first, basic level of a soldier in the army. Like the 'starting point' in a video game.
👶 For kids: A soldier who is at the beginning of their job in the army.
More Examples
He was promoted from private to corporal.
How It's Used
"He enlisted as a private in the army."
A soldier of the lowest rank in an army.
'praɪvɪt
A soldier of the lowest rank.
The private reported to his sergeant for duty.
💡 Simply: The very first, basic level of a soldier in the army. Like the 'starting point' in a video game.
👶 For kids: A soldier who is at the beginning of their job in the army.
More Examples
He was promoted from private to corporal.
How It's Used
"He enlisted as a private in the army."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Private eye
A private investigator; a detective hired by a private person or company, rather than the government.
"The actress hired a private eye to find out who was spreading rumors about her."
From Latin *privatus* meaning 'belonging to one person, not public, withdrawn from public life'.
The word 'private' has been used since the 14th century and initially denoted something 'belonging to an individual'. Over time, its meaning expanded to include secrecy and exclusion from public life.
Memory tip
Think of a PRIVATE room, only YOU can enter. Not for everyone.
Word Origin
"withdrawn from public life, belonging to one's self"