privily
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of privily
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see origin at privy, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Soon, then, those who wish to communicate completely privily may be able to do so, whatever the world’s Eves might try throwing at them.
From Economist • Sep. 19, 2013
Niece Catherine sent word she would be down presently, and then departed privily by a side door for home.
From Time Magazine Archive
Last week tough old Atheist Clemenceau, 87, followed Death to the house of Christian Foch, 77, and condoled privily with Mme. la Marechale.
From Time Magazine Archive
Recently it has even been noticed that Dr. Stresemann's personal physician is always closeted with him privily for five or ten minutes before he makes a public appearance or speech of any kind.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Come, let us go somewhere we can speak more privily."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
