priv
Latinprivate, separate, individual
About This Root
From Latin prīvātus (set apart, belonging to oneself), from prīvāre (to deprive, separate). The dual sense of 'separate' yields both positive and negative meanings: private and privacy (personal space), but also deprive and privation (being stripped of something). Privilege originally meant 'a law for an individual' (prīvus + lēx).
Associated Words · 7
private
not public; intended for one person or group
privacy
The state of being free from observation or intrusion; the right to keep personal matters secret
privilege
A special right or advantage not enjoyed by all; to grant such a right
deprive
To take something away from someone; to deny someone something
deprivation
The state of lacking necessities; the act of taking something away
privation
A state of extreme poverty or lack of basic necessities
privileged
Having special advantages or rights not available to everyone