privacy
PRY-vuh-see
/ˈpraɪvəsi/
A state in which one is not observed or disturbed by other people, or freedom from public attention.
A major source of negotiation in shared dormitories; can refer to physical seclusion or data confidentiality.
The story behind the word. Traced to Latin 'privus' (single, individual, set apart). From 'privare' (to deprive), meaning set apart from public affairs into one's private personal domain.
Word relationships
- seclusion: 'Seclusion' emphasizes physical isolation from others.
- solitude: 'Solitude' refers to the peaceful subjective feeling of being alone.
- publicity: The state of being observed or noticed by the public.
- exposure: The state of being visible or uncovered.
Commonly confused with
- privation: 'Privation' means extreme poverty or loss of basic rights, whereas 'privacy' is freedom from observation.
Word family
- private (adjective): Belonging to or intended for one particular person or group.
- privately (adverb): In a secret or private manner.
Collocations
- invasion of privacy
- right to privacy
- personal privacy
- complete privacy
Example sentences
- "Adjusting to a shared dormitory bedroom meant giving up a significant amount of personal privacy." Student journal
- "Curtains were installed in communal bathrooms to ensure student privacy." Residence policy
Memory hook
Private space provides privacy. Privus = set apart.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'secrecy', which implies intentionally hiding wrongdoing or hidden information.
Fun facts
- The legal 'right to privacy' as an explicit constitutional concept was famous codified in an 1890 Harvard Law Review article by Samuel Warren and Louis Brandeis.
Related words
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