Definition

Adverb: - Confidentially or in secret: In a private, secret, or concealed manner; not openly or publicly.

Usage

The adverb "privily" is a formal, somewhat archaic word used to describe an action done in a secret or confidential way. It is synonymous with "privately" or "secretly" but carries a more literary or old-fashioned tone. It is typically used to modify a verb, indicating the manner of the action.

Examples

• The message was delivered privily to avoid alerting the guards.
• They met privily in the library to discuss their strategy.
• He privily slipped the note into her hand during the ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• "To act privily": To behave or take action in a secretive manner.
  • The spy was trained to act privily, leaving no trace of his movements.
• Often found in historical, religious, or literary texts to convey clandestine activity.
  • The conspirators plotted privily against the king.

Variants and Related Words

• Private (adjective): Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group; not public.
• Privately (adverb): In a private way; this is the more common modern equivalent of "privily."
• Privacy (noun): A state in which one is not observed or disturbed by other people.

Synonyms

• Secretly
• Confidentially
• Covertly
• Surreptitiously
• Clandestinely

Antonyms

• Publicly
• Openly
• Overtly

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Behind closed doors: Happening in private, not in public view. (This is a related concept, though not a direct idiom using "privily").
  • The crucial negotiations were held behind closed doors.

Adverb

1. confidentially or in secret
   • told her friend privily that she was planning to be married