Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being free from public attention or observation: Privacy refers to the condition where a person, their information, or their activities are not seen, known about, or interfered with by others.
   • The state of being alone or secluded: Privacy can also describe the quality of being physically separated from the company or view of other people.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Everyone needs a certain amount of privacy. (Every individual requires some degree of freedom from public scrutiny.)
  • She values her privacy and rarely gives interviews. (She cherishes her state of being free from public attention and seldom agrees to interviews.)
  • The high fence ensures the family's privacy in their garden. (The tall fence guarantees the family's seclusion from the view of others in their garden.)

Advanced Usage

• "Invasion of privacy": An intrusion into a person's private life or affairs, often considered a legal wrong.
  • The paparazzi's constant photography was a clear invasion of her privacy.
• "Right to privacy": A legal or moral entitlement to have one's personal life and information protected from public scrutiny.
  • The constitution upholds every citizen's right to privacy.
• "In the privacy of one's own home": Within the secluded and personal space of one's residence.
  • People should be free to express their opinions in the privacy of their own home.

Variants and Related Words

• Private (adj): Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group; not public. Also, not wanting to share thoughts or feelings with others.
  • That is private property. / He is a very private person.
• Privately (adv): In a private manner; without other people being present.
  • The matter was discussed privately.

Synonyms

• Seclusion: The state of being private and away from other people.
• Solitude: The state or situation of being alone.
• Confidentiality: The state of keeping or being kept secret or private.

Antonyms

• Publicity: The notice or attention given to someone or something by the media.
• Exposure: The state of having no protection from something harmful; or the revelation of something secret.

Related Phrases

• Privacy settings: Controls on a digital device or service that allow a user to limit who can see their information.
  • Check your social media privacy settings regularly.
• Privacy policy: A statement or legal document that discloses how a party gathers, uses, and manages a customer's data.
  • You should read the website's privacy policy before agreeing to it.

Noun

1. the condition of being concealed or hidden
2. the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others