B1adverbpoliticsmedia
US/ˈpʌb.lɪ.kli/
UK/ˈpʌb.lɪ.kli/
in a way that many people can see or hear; also, paid for or owned by the government
In context
The singer publicly apologized to her fans after canceling the concert.
Few officials were willing to criticize the plan publicly.
Most schools in the country are publicly funded and free to attend.
Words that go with publicly
adverb + adjective
- publicly fundedPublicly funded hospitals are under pressure to cut waiting times.
- publicly availableThe full report will be publicly available next month.
- publicly ownedThe railway was publicly owned until the 1990s.
adverb + verb
- publicly apologizeThe airline had to publicly apologize for losing hundreds of bags.
- publicly criticizeTwo ministers publicly criticized the prime minister's decision.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Most hospitals here are public funded.Correct: Most hospitals here are publicly funded.