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Entitle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entitle

[ɪnˈtaɪtl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

formal

To give someone the right to do or have something; to qualify someone for a specific right or privilege.

Synonyms

authorize, empower, permit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entitle

Used when giving someone the legal right to have or do something, often formal documents or legal contexts.

  • The certificate entitles you to a 10% discount
  • Membership entitles you to use all the club’s facilities
authorize

Used when giving official permission or approval to do something, often used in official or formal situations.

  • The manager authorized the payment
  • Only the director can authorize this type of expense
empower

Used when giving someone more confidence or power to do something, often in social or organizational contexts.

  • The workshop is designed to empower young entrepreneurs
  • Education empowers people to make better decisions
permit

Used when allowing someone to do something, often with focus on regulations or rules. It can be negative when implying strict control.

  • The school does not permit students to use mobile phones in class
  • The city permits certain activities in public parks

Examples of usage

  • She was entitled to a refund for the faulty product.
  • The scholarship entitled him to free tuition and housing on campus.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To believe oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

Synonyms

arrogant, privileged, self-important.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entitle

Utilize 'entitle' when giving someone a right or claim to something, usually formally or legally. It does not carry a negative connotation.

  • The membership entitles you to access all club facilities.
  • Employees are entitled to 20 days of paid leave per year.
arrogant

Use 'arrogant' to describe someone who has too much pride in themselves and often disregards others. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • He was so arrogant that he never listened to anyone's advice.
  • Her arrogant attitude made her very unpopular among her colleagues.
self-important

Describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own value or importance. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The manager's self-important behavior irritated his team.
  • His self-important attitude made it difficult for others to work with him.
privileged

The term 'privileged' is appropriate when someone has special advantages or rights that most people do not, often due to their social standing or wealth. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if implying unfair advantage.

  • She grew up in a privileged family and had access to the best education.
  • Not everyone has the privileged position to afford such luxuries.

Examples of usage

  • Some people feel entitled to success without putting in the necessary effort.
  • He acts entitled and expects everyone to cater to his needs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous literary works have 'entitled' their stories, such as 'The Great Gatsby', offering clues about the plot within the title itself.
  • In academic writing, authors often 'entitle' their research papers, which helps readers understand the subject matter at a glance.
  • Classic fairy tales often include entitlement, where characters receive a title or role, like a prince or princess, driving the narrative of their journeys.

Pop Culture

  • 'Entitlement' has become a popular term in discussions about privilege, particularly among younger generations, highlighting the perceived rights some individuals feel they possess.
  • Various songs and movies touch upon themes of entitlement, discussing what individuals believe they deserve in life and relationships.
  • Social media influences perceptions of entitlement, as users express their rights to opinions and feedback on various platforms.

Psychology

  • The concept of entitlement in psychology often refers to an individual's belief that they deserve certain privileges or treatment.
  • Research suggests that higher entitlement levels can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict in social and personal relationships.
  • Understanding entitlement can help in counseling situations, where clients may explore their expectations versus reality.

Law

  • In legal terms, entitlement often refers to one's rights or eligibility to receive benefits, like Social Security or insurance claims.
  • Property law frequently uses the term to establish ownership, with rights confirmed by existing titles and deeds.
  • In environmental law, entitlement may dictate how resources are accessed and utilized, showcasing the balance between rights and regulations.

Origin of 'entitle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'entitlen', which means 'to give a title' or 'to name'.
  • It is derived from the Old French word 'entitler', from the Latin ' titulus', meaning 'title'.
  • The transformation of meaning over time shifted from merely naming to implying rights or privileges.
  • In legal contexts, it often refers to granting claims or benefits.

The word 'entitle' originated from the Old French word 'entituler', which came from the Latin word 'intitulare', meaning 'to give a title to'. The concept of entitlement has evolved over time to encompass both legal rights and personal beliefs of deservingness.

See also: entitled, entitlement, entitlements, entitling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,199, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.