kept private or confined to those intimately concerned; "it was discussed privately between the two men"; "privately, she thought differently"; "some member of his own party hoped privately for his defeat"; "he was questioned in private"
by a private person or interest; "a privately financed campaign"
an enlisted man of the lowest rank; "our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value"
concerning things deeply private and personal; "private correspondence"; "private family matters"
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy; "a private place"; "private discussions"; "private lessons"; "a private club"; "a private secretary"; "private property"; "the former President is now a private citizen"; "public figures struggle to maintain a private life"