Privilege: meaning, definitions and examples

👑

Add to dictionary

privilege

[ ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ ]

^{Context #1}

legal

A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.

Synonyms

advantage, benefit, entitlement

Examples of usage

Education is a privilege, not a right.
She was born into privilege and never had to worry about money.

^{Context #2}

social

A special opportunity to do something that brings particular pleasure or enjoyment.

Synonyms

honor, joy, pleasure

Examples of usage

It's a privilege to be able to travel the world and experience different cultures.
Working with children is a privilege, not a burden.

^{Context #3}

formal

To grant a privilege or privileges to; bestow a privilege or privileges on.

Synonyms

bestow, grant, honor

Examples of usage

The manager decided to privilege certain employees with extra benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "privilege" in other languages:

🇵🇹 privilégio

🇮🇳 विशेषाधिकार

🇩🇪 Privileg

🇮🇩 hak istimewa

🇺🇦 привілей

🇵🇱 przywilej

🇯🇵 特権 (とっけん)

🇫🇷 privilège

🇪🇸 privilegio

🇹🇷 ayrıcalık

🇰🇷 특권 (teukkwon)

🇸🇦 امتياز

🇨🇿 privilegium

🇸🇰 privilégium

🇨🇳 特权 (tèquán)

🇸🇮 privilegij

🇮🇸 forréttindi

🇰🇿 артықшылық

🇬🇪 უფლება

🇦🇿 imtiyaz

🇲🇽 privilegio

Word origin

The word 'privilege' originated from the Latin word 'privilegium', which means 'law applying to one person'. In ancient Rome, a 'privilegium' was a law that applied to a specific individual or group, granting them special rights or immunities. Over time, the meaning of 'privilege' evolved to encompass a wider range of special rights or advantages granted to individuals or groups. Today, the concept of privilege is often debated in social, political, and legal contexts, with discussions around issues of inequality, discrimination, and access to opportunities.