Main entry: private, common soldier, buck private
Definition: an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the Army or Marines
Usage: our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value
Definition: not expressed
Usage: secret (or private) thoughts
Main entry: individual, private
Definition: concerning one person exclusively
Usage: we all have individual cars; each room has a private bath
Main entry: private
Definition: concerning things deeply private and personal
Usage: private correspondence; private family matters
Main entry: private
Definition: confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
Usage: a private place; private discussions; private lessons; a private club; a private secretary; private property; the former President is now a private citizen; public figures struggle to maintain a private life