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Definition of privately

privately

/ˈpraɪ.vət.li/
pri · vate · ly
Adjective:private
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privately Lexical Profile

privately Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a way that involves only a specific person or small group, without others being present or informed.

Example

"The manager asked to speak with him privately in her office after the meeting."

2

By an individual or commercial organization rather than by the state or a public institution.

Example

"The historic estate is privately owned and only opens to visitors during the summer months."

3

Within one's own mind or inner thoughts, without expressing those feelings outwardly.

Example

"She smiled politely at the announcement, though privately she had serious doubts about the plan."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

private
privateer
privateering
privately
privateness
privates
privatization

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective "private" (borrowed from Latin "privatus", meaning "set apart from the state or public life") combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly".

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Privately. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/privately
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