# privacy

/ˈpɹaɪvəsi/ (US) · /pɹˈɪvəsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/privacy
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. being alone or secluded

noun · CEFR B1

the state of being away from other people so that they cannot see or hear you.

For teachers: the state of being secluded from the presence or view of others. Uncountable in this general sense.

- He moved to a house in the countryside to enjoy more privacy.
- The high garden walls were designed to ensure total privacy from the neighbors and the busy street beyond.

### 2. personal information and data

noun · CEFR B2

the right to keep your personal details and life secret from companies or the government.

For teachers: freedom from unauthorized surveillance or the disclosure of personal information by organizations or the state.

- You should check the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
- The new legislation aims to protect digital privacy by restricting how corporations collect and sell user data.

### 3. secrecy or private matters

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of keeping something secret or not sharing it with the public.

For teachers: the quality of being confidential or kept secret from general knowledge.

- The two leaders met in privacy to discuss the sensitive peace treaty.
- The documents were handled with the utmost privacy to prevent any leaks before the official announcement.

## Examples

- I value my privacy when I am working from home.
- The new law aims to protect the digital privacy of citizens by limiting how companies share personal data.
- While the celebrity acknowledged that fame invited public interest, she argued that the intrusive long-lens photography constituted a clear violation of her family's privacy.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.