privy
UK[ˈprɪvi]US[ˈprɪvi]
adj
Sharing in the knowledge of something private or secret
n
A toilet located in a small shed outside a house or other building
Morpheme Breakdown
priv
y
priv
private
y
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'privy' originates from the Old French privé, meaning "private, familiar, intimate," which itself derives from the Latin privatus, the past participle of privare meaning "to bereave, deprive, or release." The core Latin root privus signifies "one's own, individual, set apart." This etymological journey from "set apart" to "private" underpins the modern adjective meaning of being privately informed. The noun sense for an outdoor toilet emerged in the late 13th century, reflecting its status as a private, secluded place. Thus, the concept of separation from the public sphere unites both the secret knowledge and the secluded facility.
Analysis
Structure: priv (private) + y (adjective suffix)
- priv: From Latin privus meaning "individual, one's own, private". It functions as the core root conveying the sense of being separate or not public.
- y: A common English suffix of Germanic origin used to form adjectives from nouns (e.g., sunny, hairy), indicating "characterized by" or "having the quality of".
Examples
She was not privy to the board's confidential discussions.
In historical dramas, characters are often seen using a privy in the garden.
Only a few privy councilors are aware of the monarch's final decision.