privy
- adjective
- /ˈprɪvi/
- Archaic
- We, as archaeologists, only have a very small segment of their story that our expertise is privy to.
Examples
-
The audience is privy to view Clo from multiple angles at once, coming to the understanding that there is not just one self.
Blog text (5) -
Secret Hopi societies use corn in a variety of ways, but outsiders are not privy to those uses.
Academic text (2004) -
The list indicated Evita was privy to recruitment efforts, but no other documents surfaced detailing the extent of her involvement.
Academic text (2004) -
Servants were still scrubbing up blood in the banquet hall, so Lady Ukhova granted him an audience in her privy chamber.
Fiction book (2000) -
The secret meeting was held in a privy location to ensure no one would overhear our discussion.
-
During the ceremony, only a select few were privy to the special traditions being honored.
-
The ancient texts revealed insights that scholars were previously privy to before they became public.
Synonyms
∞
1.8
For one person or group only and not open to others
∞
2.0
Hidden so other people do not know about it
40
8.2
Kept secret because it is illegal or not allowed
35
5.1
A place not seen or visited by many people
19
5.3
Not open to the public and held privately by a small group
Antonyms
Compounds
1
9.9
A senior UK government official who has an old title, no set duties, and sometimes has extra responsibilities
- UK
1
9.9
A money allowance for a king or queen to pay personal expenses separate from government money
How Private
Surface Forms
Etymology
Privy comes from the same root priv- meaning 'private' or 'set apart', just like the English word private. That's why a privy place is a quiet, small spot kept 'private' from others.