Private
/ˈpraɪ.vɪt/noun
Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group.
Did you know?In the medieval era, 'private' was often associated with deception and secrecy, linked to clandestine dealings and hidden agendas.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*prī-
“to separate, to be apart”
Latin
Latin
privatus
“set apart, removed from public life”
Old French
Old French
privé
“secret, personal, private”
Middle English
Middle English
privat
“belonging to a person or group; secret”
Modern English
English
private
“pertaining to the individual; not public or open”