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privilege
/ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/
special right or advantage
Education is a privilege, not a right.
This means education is not guaranteed but rather an opportunity that some may have access to while others do not.
general
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
The company offers its employees the privilege of flexible working hours.
This means employees can choose their working hours within certain limits.
Voting is a privilege that should not be taken for granted.
This emphasizes the importance of participating in elections.
The term often implies exclusivity or special treatment.
Law
formal
A right or benefit that is granted to a person or group, often based on status or position.
The diplomat enjoyed diplomatic privilege, which protected him from prosecution.
This means the diplomat was legally immune from certain legal actions.
In legal contexts, privileges are often codified in laws or treaties.
Collocations
privilege ofa special right or advantage associated with somethingprivileged positiona status that grants special rights or advantages
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Positive vs. Negative Connotations
The word 'privilege' can be used positively to describe a beneficial right or negatively to highlight inequality or unfairness.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'privilege' can shift depending on whether it is used in a legal, social, or everyday context.
Word Origin
From Middle French *privilege*, from Latin *privilegium*, from *privus* (private) + *lex* (law), meaning 'private law' or 'special law'.
Usage Notes
The word can carry positive or negative connotations depending on context. It often implies exclusivity or special treatment, which can be seen as unfair or unjust in some situations.
Word Breakdown
priv-
private
prefix-ilege
law or right
suffixEnglish Dictionary