The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Upgrade Your Vocabulary With Our Best-Selling Book:

proprietary

adjective

/prəˈprʌɪət(ə)ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of proprietary

Owned or controlled by a particular person or organization.
"The company's proprietary technology gave them a competitive advantage."

Detailed meaning of proprietary

It can also refer to something that is exclusive to a particular person or organization, or something that is not available to the general public. The word comes from the Latin word "proprius" which means "one's own" or "particular."

In everyday use, proprietary refers to something that is owned or controlled by a particular person or organization. For example, a proprietary software is one that is owned or controlled by a particular company and not available to the general public, a proprietary product is one that is exclusive to a particular company, and a proprietary design is one that is owned or controlled by a particular person or organization.

In literature, the term is often used to describe something that is owned or controlled by a particular person or organization, or something that is exclusive to a particular person or organization, or something that is not available to the general public. Additionally, it can be used in a more figurative sense, to describe something that is closely guarded or closely held, as in "the company's proprietary information".

In various fields, proprietary can refer to a company's exclusive rights to a product, a process, or a technology that it owns or controls. It can also refer to a company's exclusive rights to use a specific brand name, trademark, or patent.

Example sentences containing proprietary

1. The company developed proprietary software for its unique needs.
2. Their proprietary blend of spices made the dish unforgettable.
3. The artist's proprietary technique gave her paintings a distinct style.
4. The scientist held a proprietary formula for a groundbreaking invention.
5. He refused to share his proprietary information with competitors.
6. The brand's proprietary technology set it apart from the competition.

History and etymology of proprietary

The term 'proprietary' has its roots in the Latin word 'proprius,' which means 'one's own' or 'belonging to oneself.' Over time, this Latin word evolved into 'proprietas' in Medieval Latin, which further developed into 'proprietary' in English. When something is described as 'proprietary,' it means that it is owned, controlled, or exclusive to a particular person, organization, or entity. In the business and legal context, 'proprietary' often refers to assets, information, or rights that are privately owned and not available for public use or access. It underscores the idea of ownership and exclusivity, emphasizing that the particular entity has a legal claim or control over the property or rights in question.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective proprietary:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of proprietary

1. The chef guarded her proprietary recipe with great secrecy.
2. The proprietary design of the car made it a status symbol.
3. The company's proprietary data analysis tool provided valuable insights.
4. Investors were eager to learn about the company's proprietary algorithms.
5. The proprietary software was known for its reliability and efficiency.
6. The company's success was built on its proprietary manufacturing process.
7. The artist's proprietary colors were used in all of his masterpieces.
8. The firm's proprietary trading strategy yielded impressive profits.
9. The proprietary information was locked behind multiple security layers.
10. Their proprietary blend of coffee beans created a unique flavor.
11. The company patented its proprietary technology to protect its assets.
12. The proprietary encryption method ensured data security.
13. The proprietary fragrance was a closely guarded secret.
14. The proprietary medicine showed promising results in clinical trials.
15. The designer's proprietary fashion line was highly sought after.
16. The company's proprietary formula was the key to its success.
17. The proprietary software was constantly updated to stay ahead of the competition.