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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | privatus, past participle of privare; DEPRIVE |
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pri‧vate1 S1 W1
1 for use by one person or group, not for everyone [≠ public]: 
Morris has a private jet.He made some notes for his private use.
not for the public
Morris has a private jet.He made some notes for his private use.2 not related to, owned by, or paid for by the government [≠ public]: a private hospital There is private ownership of property in a market economy. private education
not government
[only before noun]a private hospitalThere is private ownership of property in a market economy.private education go private British English (=pay for medical treatment instead of getting it free at a public hospital)
3 a private meeting, conversation etc involves only two people or a small number of people, and is not for other people to know about : I need to have a private discussion with you. Are you alone? I just wanted a private word.
for only a few
I need to have a private discussion with you.Are you alone? I just wanted a private word.4 private feelings, information, or opinions are personal or secret and not for other people to know about : Jack's private opinion was that she was selfish. Don't read that - it's private.
secret
Jack's private opinion was that she was selfish.Don't read that - it's private.5 used about someone who is not known to the public or not working for the government or another organization : a private citizen The painting was sold to a private collector.
not publicly known
a private citizenThe painting was sold to a private collector.6 separate from and not related to your work or your official position : The president is paying a private visit to Europe.
not work
The president is paying a private visit to Europe.7 quiet and without a lot of people : Why don't we go upstairs where it's more private?
quiet place
Why don't we go upstairs where it's more private?8 a private person is one who likes being alone, and does not talk much about their thoughts or feelings : He's a very private man.
person
[only before noun]He's a very private man. [↪ privately]
