privily

[ priv-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a privy manner; secretly.

privily

/ ˈprɪvɪlɪ /

adverb

1. archaic.
   in a secret way

Word History and Origins

Origin of privily¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; privy, -ly

Example Sentences

"Come, let us go somewhere we can speak more privily."

From Literature

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

The king gave orders for the most splendid and expensive funeral in living memory and then "privily departed to a solitary place to pass his sorrows".

From BBC

These are the names cryptographers give to two people who are trying to communicate privily, and to a third who is trying to intercept and decrypt their conversation.

From Economist

An ordinance was passed in 1307, directing the barbers to have the blood “privily carried into the Thames under pain of paying two shillings to the use of the Sheriffs.”

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clandestinely
• covertly
• furtively
• personally
• privately
• quietly
• stealthily
• surreptitiously