nonpublic
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /nɒnˈpʌblɪk/
KK: /nɑnˈpʌblɪk/
adjective
Definition
Something that is not open to the public and is kept private.
Example
The meeting was nonpublic, so only invited guests could attend.
Conversation
Did you hear about the nonpublic meeting next week?
No, I didn't! What’s it about?
It's supposed to discuss some private matters at work.
Got it! I guess they want to keep it low-key.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
private
secret
confidential
Antonyms
public
open
accessible
Root Explanation
Nonpublic → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "public" (from Latin "publicus", meaning of the people or community). The word "nonpublic" means not open or accessible to the general public.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('non-') being combined with 'of the people' ('public') to remember that 'nonpublic' refers to something that is not accessible to everyone.
Visually Confused Words
unpublic
anopubic
nonrepublican
public