Entitlement: meaning, definitions and examples

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entitlement

[ɪnˈtaɪtəlmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social

The fact of having a right to something. The belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

Synonyms

claim, privilege, right.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
entitlement	Used when discussing a guaranteed benefit or right that someone believes they deserve, often with a connotation of expectation or presumption. It can have a negative connotation if someone feels overly entitled. She has a sense of entitlement that can be quite off-putting. Employees are entitled to paid holiday leave.
privilege	Used to refer to a special right that is given to a person or group, often implying exclusivity or an advantage not available to others. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. It's a privilege to work on such an exciting project. They enjoy certain privileges because of their social status.
right	Used to describe something that is guaranteed by law, morality, or tradition, and is considered a fundamental entitlement. It is often used in discussions about human rights, civil rights, or legal rights. Everyone has the right to free speech. You have the right to remain silent.
claim	Used when someone demands or asserts a right to something, especially in legal or formal contexts. The focus is on the act of asserting this right. He filed a claim for unemployment benefits. The customer made a claim for a refund.

Examples of usage

He has a strong sense of entitlement.
She felt a sense of entitlement to the promotion.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

The legal right to something. The amount to which a person has a right.

Synonyms

authorization, claim, title.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
entitlement	This word is best used when referring to a sense of having a right to something, often without having earned it. It can have a negative connotation when describing someone's attitude. She felt a strong sense of entitlement to the family's wealth. His entitlement to special treatment annoyed his colleagues.
claim	This word is appropriate when someone is asserting their right to something. It can be used in legal, insurance, and everyday contexts. She filed a claim for the lost baggage with the airline. He laid claim to the invention, although his role was minimal.
title	Use this term when referring to the formal right of ownership, especially in relation to property or professional rank. It is also used in the context of book or movie names. He holds the title to the house. The official title of the movie is 'The Last Journey'.
authorization	Use this term when talking about the official power or permission to do something. It's common in legal, business, and technical settings. The project cannot proceed without proper authorization. He received authorization to access the restricted area.

Examples of usage

He has a legal entitlement to half of the inheritance.
The entitlement to compensation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated from the Latin word 'titulus,' meaning title, which reflected the idea of having a right to something.
In English, it became popular in the late 19th century as people began to discuss rights and privileges.

Psychology

Studies show that a sense of entitlement can lead to negative outcomes, such as reduced gratitude and increased conflicts in relationships.
Research indicates that individuals with high entitlement often have lower emotional intelligence, which affects their social interactions.
Entitlement can be linked to narcissism, where individuals believe they are superior and deserving of more than others.

Cultural References

In contemporary discussions, entitlement is often debated in the context of societal views on welfare and social justice.
The term frequently appears in discussions about generational attitudes, specifically regarding millennials and how their upbringing influences feelings of entitlement.

Education

In educational settings, entitlement can manifest in students expecting special accommodations without justifiable reasons.
Educators often address entitlement through programs aimed at fostering gratitude and resilience, teaching the value of hard work.

Pop Culture

Reality TV often amplifies themes of entitlement, showcasing individuals who demand luxury or privileges based solely on their status.
Movies and books sometimes depict characters with a strong sense of entitlement, illustrating the impact of such attitudes on personal relationships and society.

Translations

Translations of the word "entitlement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 direito

🇮🇳 अधिकार

🇩🇪 Anspruch

🇮🇩 hak

🇺🇦 право

🇵🇱 prawo

🇯🇵 権利

🇫🇷 droit

🇪🇸 derecho

🇹🇷 hak

🇰🇷 권리

🇸🇦 حق

🇨🇿 právo

🇸🇰 právo

🇨🇳 权利

🇸🇮 pravica

🇮🇸 réttindi

🇰🇿 құқық

🇬🇪 უფლება

🇦🇿 hüquq

🇲🇽 derecho

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,865 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9862 pint
9863 expire
9864 intuitive
9865 entitlement
9866 trader
9867 greenish
9868 umbrella
...