The use of "privy"

Question

HiIs the use of "privy" OK in the following sentence? Any suggestion is welcome.This information is not only privy to me -- the whole office knows about it.Thanks,Tom

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

This information is not privy only to me -- the whole office knows about it.

Dave_anon · Answer

Hi

Privy is an interesting word. In UK English you don't often hear it as standard

Hovever it has important meanings both formal and coarse..

- a Privy Councillor is someone who has special access to the King or Queen in order to give them private advice

- a privy is a separate room - or maybe an outhouse - where a person may perform private functions (defecation and urination)

So in the UK, yes, you can say "Only I was privy to his thoughts"

[= He told his thoughts only to me, privately]

But you don't hear it often

Regards, Dave

Anonymous · Answer

I think that the use of privy applies better when you are talking about people keeping some secret. e.g. Many people were privy to the plot.

But when you refer about a secret, it's better use private. e.g. The information was private but everyone in the office knew it.

Well, it's just my best guess... hope I can help!

The use of "privy"

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