Propietary Meaning and Definition
Propietary
Pronunciation
/prəˈpaɪətəri/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Owned or controlled by a person or entity, often referring to intellectual property, trade secrets, or exclusive rights.
Examples
- The company protects its propriety software with strict confidentiality agreements.
- Our propriety recipe is what sets our product apart from the competition.
Synonyms
- Exclusive
- Confidential
Antonyms
- Public
- Open-source
Additional Information
Proprietary information can include trade secrets, patented technology, or confidential business practices. Companies often take great measures to protect their proprietary assets from competitors and unauthorized use.
In some cases, proprietary products or services may be restricted from public disclosure, and access may be limited to authorized personnel or partners. This can create a competitive advantage for the company, as the proprietary information remains unique and exclusive.
Etymology
The term “proprietary” originates from the Latin “proprietas,” meaning “property” or “one’s own.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something owned or controlled by an individual or entity.
Usage Notes
When using “proprietary” in a business context, it’s essential to clarify what specific information or assets are being referred to. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the context is clear.
Cultural References
In popular culture, proprietary information is often depicted as a highly valuable and closely guarded secret, as seen in movies like “James Bond” or “Mission Impossible.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Proprietary information is confidential.”
- “Our proprietary technology is what sets us apart.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Trade secret
- Confidentiality agreement
- Intellectual property
Collocations
- Proprietary software
- Proprietary information
- Proprietary technology
Frequency of Use
The term “proprietary” is commonly used in business and legal contexts, with a moderate frequency of use in modern language.