private

Derived from Middle English, from Old French 'privat', from Latin 'privatus'.

ADJ (1)
[/ˈpraɪ.vɪt/en-US]
Synonyms confidential formal , personal , secret
Antonyms public

Intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person or group; not open to the public.

  • He has a private office where he conducts confidential meetings.
  • She prefers to keep her private life separate from her professional one.
NOUN (1)
[/ˈpraɪ.vɪt/en-US]
Synonyms individual , civilian
Antonyms soldier

A person who is not a member of the armed forces; typically refers to a civilian.

irregular note only if irregular
plural
privates
  • The report focused on the impact of the policy on privates in society.
  • As a private, he often faced challenges that were unique to his status.
plural: privates