Definition

The process of transferring ownership of a business or public service from the government to private individuals or organizations.

Example

The privatizing of the water supply led to concerns about access and affordability.

Conversation

Have you heard about the recent discussions on privatizing public services?

Yeah, I have mixed feelings about it.

I think privatizing could improve efficiency, but it might also lead to higher costs.

That's true; it's a tricky balance between quality and accessibility.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To change something from being owned or controlled by the government to being owned or controlled by private individuals or companies.

Example

The government is privatizing several state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about the government privatizing some of the public services?

Yeah, I read an article about it. It's a big change.

I wonder how it will affect the quality of those services.

Root Explanation

Privatizing → It is formed from "private" (from Latin "privatus", meaning belonging to oneself or personal) and "-izing" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating the process of making or becoming). The word "privatizing" means the process of making something private or transferring ownership from public to private control.

Memory Tip

Think of 'private' as something that belongs to oneself, and the '-izing' part means making it so. This helps you remember that privatizing is the process of making something personal or private.

Visually Confused Words