What does privately mean?
Privately means in a way that is separate from public view or public participation. It is commonly used for conversations, negotiations, ceremonies, and decisions that are intended to remain confidential, as in “The matter was discussed privately.” The adverb can also distinguish an arrangement, organization, or activity from one that is public, official, or open to the general public: “The charity is privately funded.” Its meaning is usually neutral and factual, though it may suggest that a subject is being handled discreetly. Privately is especially common in formal, institutional, and legal contexts, but it is equally natural in ordinary conversation when discussing personal matters. The related adjective private describes something belonging to an individual or restricted group, while privacy is the noun for the condition of being free from unwanted attention or interference.
adverbIn a private manner, without public attention, disclosure, or participation. It can also mean privately rather than as part of a public or official arrangement.
- In a private manner, without public attention or disclosure.
- By or on behalf of a private individual or organization rather than a public body.
"The director met privately with the committee before the announcement."
"The negotiations were conducted privately, without an official statement."
"The business is privately funded and does not accept outside investment."
Privately means not merely quietly: it can signal that something is deliberately kept out of public view.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does privately come from?
The adverb privately comes from the adjective private, which entered English in the late Middle English period from Latin privatus, meaning “not public” or “belonging to one person.” The Latin root privus, meaning “one’s own” or “private,” also underlies related words such as privacy, privilege, and privity. The adverb was formed in English with the suffix -ly, following the ordinary pattern for adverbs derived from adjectives.
How privately is actually used
The adverb is formal and neutral. In legal, business, and institutional contexts, it often emphasizes that a matter is confidential or conducted without public involvement.
Easily confused with privately
Private is an adjective describing something belonging to or restricted to an individual, whereas privately is an adverb describing an action or manner.
Privacy is the noun meaning the state of being private, whereas privately is the adverb describing something done in a private manner.