Search results for 'private':

private adj 1 not open to, or available for the use of, the general public. 2 said of a person: not holding public office. 3 kept secret from others; confidential. 4 relating to someone's personal, as distinct from their professional, life • a private engagement. 5 said of thoughts or opinions: personal and usually kept to oneself. 6 quiet and reserved by nature. 7 said of a place: secluded. 8 a not coming under the state system of education, healthcare, social welfare, etc; b paid for or paying individually by fee, etc. 9 said of an industry, etc: owned and run by private individuals, not by the state. 10 said of a soldier: not an officer or NCO. 11 said of a member of parliament: not holding government office. noun 1 a private soldier. 2 (privates) colloq the private parts. privately adverb. in private not in public; in secret; confidentially.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from Latin privatus withdrawn from public life, from privare to deprive or separate.