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
"At the homes of friends, according to the will of the hostess," at resorts to which young Baltimore men friends escort them, privily, by stealth, Goucher College girls have usually smoked if they wanted to.
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
Thirty-six days later President Martinez was ready to admit privily the existence of Emperor Kang Teh.
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.
