Privacy
PRIV-uh-see
/ˈprɪvəsi/
A state in which one is not observed or disturbed by other people; the state of being free from public attention.
Refers to the right or condition of being secluded from the presence or view of others, or of having one's personal information protected.
The story behind the word. The word 'privacy' comes from the Latin 'privatus,' meaning 'withdrawn from public life,' or 'belonging to oneself.' This root also gives us 'private.' Historically, it referred to things not belonging to the state or the public, evolving to mean the state of being free from public observation or interference.
Word relationships
- seclusion: Emphasizes being alone and away from others.
- confidentiality: Refers specifically to the protection of sensitive information.
- solitude: The state of being alone, often by choice, and can be positive.
- publicity: The state of being known to many people.
- exposure: The state of being revealed or made known.
Word family
- private (adj): Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only.
- privately (adv): In a private manner; not in public.
Collocations
- right to privacy
- personal privacy
- digital privacy
- invasion of privacy
- privacy settings
Idioms & expressions
- a moment of privacy
Example sentences
- "Everyone deserves a certain degree of privacy in their own home." Discussing personal boundaries.
- "The debate over data collection often centers on the balance between security and individual privacy." A legal debate.
- "Despite her fame, the actress fiercely guarded her family's privacy, rarely sharing details of their personal lives." About a celebrity's life.
Memory hook
Think of a 'PRIVATE' space where you have 'PRIVACY' and are free from others' eyes. PRIVATE space
When not to use
Do not use 'privacy' to refer to secrecy or hiding something illicit. It implies a legitimate desire for personal space and control over one's information.
Fun facts
- The concept of a 'right to privacy' was first articulated in a famous 1890 Harvard Law Review article by Samuel D. Warren and Louis Brandeis.
- Different cultures have varying norms and expectations regarding personal privacy.
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