IN PRIVATE

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Kept private or confined to those intimately concerned

Example:

he was questioned in private

Synonyms:

in camera; in private; privately

Classified under:

Adverbs

Credits

Context examples:

His manners in private were even more mild and attractive than in public, for there was a certain dignity in his mien during his lecture which in his own house was replaced by the greatest affability and kindness.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

The Prince's nails do more for me in private families of the genteel sort, than all my talents put together.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

And Amy, who was very dignified in public and very fond in private, gave convincing proofs of the truth of her words.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I assure you the utmost stretch of public fame would not make me amends for the loss of any happiness in private life.”

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

But in the interim—in the interim of the very few hours that were to pass, before I could have an opportunity of speaking with her in private—a circumstance occurred—an unlucky circumstance, to ruin all my resolution, and with it all my comfort.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

He took up the letters on the table and stamped them carefully, and then turning to me, said:—"I trust you will forgive me, but I have much work to do in private this evening. You will, I hope, find all things as you wish."

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

There was no longer anything to disturb them in their darling project, and they congratulated each other in private on the jealous weakness to which they attributed the change, with all the glee of feelings gratified in every way.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

She came to Mr. Doran’s door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The club received him with transport, and held an harmonic meeting that evening in his honour; while Mrs. Micawber and I had a lamb's fry in private, surrounded by the sleeping family.