American English
/ˈpʰɹaɪ.vət̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Not open to everyone; only certain people can enter, use, or attend it.
In “private,” the second syllable is short and weak, so it usually sounds like /ˈpɹaɪ.vət/. Some speakers use a quick /ɪ/ in that syllable, too.
Not open to everyone; only certain people can enter, use, or attend it.
We booked a private room for dinner.
The beach is private, so only hotel guests can use it.
private room · private beach · private event
a private + noun
private + noun + for + person/group
Personal and not meant for other people to know or use.
Please keep this conversation private.
The doctor cannot share my private information.
private information · private conversation · private life · private matter
keep + something + private
private + information/conversation
Owned or run by people or companies, not by the government.
She works for a private company.
Their children attend a private school.
private company · private school · private hospital · private sector
a private + company/school/hospital
work for a private + company
Away from other people, so that they cannot easily see or hear you.
Can we talk somewhere private?
I need a private place to change clothes.
private bathroom · private space · private area
somewhere private
a private + room/place
Away from other people; not in public.
They spoke in private after the meeting.
The part of the economy owned and run by companies and individuals, not the government.
Most jobs in the private sector are in cities.
A person's personal life away from work and public attention.
The actor rarely discusses his private life.