Language Research

private · adjective

/ˈprɑɪ.vət/Full view

Word family

Nouns: privacy, private, privatization

Adjectives: private

Verbs: privatize

Adverbs: privately

private (NOT EVERYONE)

B1 only for one person or group and not for everyone

Dictionary examples:

She has a small, private office.

I caught him looking through my private papers.

We can't play ball here - it's private property.

Learner example:

I went there to see what's going on, and the band invited us to their private party. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Serbian)

private (SECRET)

B1 describes activities which involve personal matters or relationships and are not connected with your work

Dictionary example:

Apparently in interviews he refuses to talk about his private life.

Learner example:

We talked about the film and also about our work and our private life. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

private (NOT OFFICIAL)

B2 controlled or paid for by a person or company and not by the government

Dictionary examples:

a private school

The governor is on vacation and traveling as a private citizen.

Learner example:

I have been working as an English teacher for small children at a private school for three years. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

in private

B2 in a place where nobody else can hear you or see what you are doing

Dictionary example:

They wanted to talk in private.

Learner example:

I agree that th[is] should be in private. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)