What does "publicly" mean?

1. (openly) in a way that is not secret, so that anyone can see or hear what is happening. 2. (by the government) done or paid for by the government or a community for everyone to use.

How do you use "publicly"?

often follows verbs of communication like 'speak', 'announce', or 'admit'. frequently modifies adjectives like 'funded', 'owned', or 'held'.

publicly

adv.

US //ˈpəbɫɪkɫi// UK //pˈʌblɪkli// pub·licly

1 openly (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

in a way that is not secret, so that anyone can see or hear what is happening.

in an open manner that is visible or audible to the general public rather than in private.

Example

The company director publicly apologized for the mistake during the news conference.

Example

Although the two politicians disagreed in private, they continued to support the project publicly to maintain party unity.

Usage

often follows verbs of communication like 'speak', 'announce', or 'admit'.
- openly
- outwardly
- privately
- secretly
2 by the government (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

done or paid for by the government or a community for everyone to use.

by, for, or on behalf of the community, often relating to government funding or oversight.

Example

The new park is publicly funded, so it is free for everyone to visit.

Example

The report argued that publicly owned utilities often provide more reliable service than those managed by private corporations.

Usage

frequently modifies adjectives like 'funded', 'owned', or 'held'.
- officially
- state funded
- privately

Origin

From public + -ly.