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Prerogatives: meaning, definitions and examples

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prerogatives

 

[prɪˈrɒɡ.ə.tɪvz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

rights and privileges

Prerogatives are special rights or privileges that belong to a particular person or group, usually because of their position or status.

Synonyms

advantages, privileges, rights.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prerogatives

Use this word when talking about special rights or privileges that come with a specific position, rank, or role, often implying that these rights are exclusive and not available to others.

  • As the CEO, he enjoyed certain prerogatives that other employees did not have.
  • Royal prerogatives have historically included the ability to grant pardons and declare war.
privileges

A word that indicates special rights or benefits granted to a particular person or group. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if those privileges are unearned or lead to inequality.

  • Membership in the club comes with its own set of privileges, including access to the spa and exclusive events.
  • Some people argue that the wealthy have too many privileges in society.
rights

Use this term when referring to moral or legal entitlements that are generally recognized by law or society. These are often fundamental and not specific to any particular group or individual.

  • The right to free speech is protected by the constitution.
  • Workers have the right to fair wages and safe working conditions.
advantages

This word is appropriate when discussing any beneficial opportunity or superior position that can improve someone's situation. It does not imply exclusivity and is generally neutral.

  • Being bilingual is an advantage when applying for international jobs.
  • Online banking offers several advantages over traditional banking methods.

Examples of usage

  • The president has certain prerogatives that allow him to make important decisions.
  • As a senior manager, she enjoys certain prerogatives that junior staff do not have.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praerogativus,' meaning 'that which is asked beforehand,' originally used to refer to a privilege in voting.
  • In medieval England, prerogatives were often associated with the rights of the monarchy and landed gentry, giving them special powers over common people.
  • The term has evolved to represent various kinds of special privileges in modern contexts, including legal and corporate settings.

Politics

  • Prerogatives often refer to the powers held by heads of state, allowing them to make decisions without the need for consensus.
  • Some political systems have explicit lists of prerogatives that outline the special rights of different branches of government, such as the executive.

Cultural Context

  • In many societies, prerogatives can lead to discussions about class and inequality, where certain groups have more rights than others.
  • The idea of parental prerogatives emphasizes the special rights parents have in making decisions for their children, impacting educational paths and daily life.

Business and Organizations

  • In the workplace, management may have prerogatives that allow them to make unique hiring and promotion decisions.
  • Shareholders can sometimes exercise certain prerogatives, like voting on key company issues, that empower them in business matters.

Psychology

  • Having prerogatives can influence a person's self-esteem, as enjoying special rights may enhance their sense of identity and status.
  • The concept of privilege ties closely to prerogatives, showing how people may feel entitled to certain rights simply based on their social standing or accomplishments.

Translations

Translations of the word "prerogatives" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prerrogativas

🇮🇳 विशेषाधिकार

🇩🇪 Vorrechte

🇮🇩 hak istimewa

🇺🇦 прерогативи

🇵🇱 prerogatywy

🇯🇵 特権

🇫🇷 prérogatives

🇪🇸 prerrogativas

🇹🇷 imtiyazlar

🇰🇷 특권

🇸🇦 امتيازات

🇨🇿 prerogativy

🇸🇰 prerogatívy

🇨🇳 特权

🇸🇮 prerogative

🇮🇸 forréttindi

🇰🇿 артықшылықтар

🇬🇪 პრეროგატივები

🇦🇿 prerogativlər

🇲🇽 prerrogativas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,117, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.