Prerogative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prerogative
[prษชหrษหษกษtษชv ]
Definition
special right
A prerogative is a special right or privilege that is exclusive to a particular individual or group. It often pertains to the authority or power that a leader possesses, enabling them to make decisions without requiring approval from others. Prerogatives can manifest in various forms, such as legal rights, constitutional privileges, or certain powers within organizations. The term reflects a sense of entitlement and often signifies an advantage or authority not shared by others.
Synonyms
authority, entitlement, privilege, right.
Examples of usage
- The president exercised his prerogative to veto the bill.
- As the CEO, she had the prerogative to make major company decisions.
- It is his prerogative to choose where to allocate resources.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Political Science
- Leaders often have prerogatives that allow them to make decisions without needing permission from others.
- In many democratic systems, prerogatives can also involve emergency powers that a leader may exercise during crises.
- Understanding prerogative helps clarify discussions about authority and governance in political debates.
Literature
- In literature, characters with prerogatives often reflect themes of power, privilege, and moral dilemmas.
- Classic works, like Shakespeare's plays, frequently explore the prerogatives of kings and the conflicts they create.
- The balance of prerogative and responsibility is a common subject in novels addressing social justice.
Psychology
- Psychologists study how individuals in power may exercise their prerogatives, influencing group dynamics.
- Having prerogatives can impact a person's sense of identity and self-esteem, affecting how they relate to others.
- The awareness of oneโs own prerogatives might lead to ethical considerations about how one uses them.
Pop Culture
- In pop culture, the concept of prerogative often appears in songs and movies that discuss freedom and choices.
- Television shows sometimes depict characters wrestling with their prerogatives, highlighting personal growth.
- Famous quotes about prerogative can resonate with audiences, especially relating to themes of independence.
Origin of 'prerogative'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'praerogativa', which means 'that which is asked first'.
- In ancient Rome, the term referred to a special vote given to a specific group in elections.
- It evolved through Middle French before making its way into English around the 15th century.
The term 'prerogative' originates from the Latin word 'prerogativa', which referred to a special right or privilege. It is derived from 'praerogare', meaning 'to ask beforehand', which indicates a level of anticipatory privilege or entitlement. In the Middle Ages, the word was often associated with the special powers of monarchy, particularly in relation to decisions about laws and governance that were exclusive to the sovereign. Over time, 'prerogative' has evolved to include various forms of authority and rights within different contexts, including law, politics, and business. Today, it signifies an exclusive privilege enjoyed by an individual or institution that sets them apart from others, reflecting a historical legacy of power and entitlement.