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Privileged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘‘
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privileged

[หˆprษชvษ™lษชdส’d ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in society

Having special rights, advantages, or immunities granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.

Synonyms

advantaged, elite, entitled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
privileged

This word is often used to describe someone who has special rights or advantages that others do not have. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • She felt privileged to have been given the opportunity to study at such a prestigious school.
  • Growing up in a privileged neighborhood, he was unaware of the hardships faced by others.
advantaged

This term is usually used to describe someone who has better circumstances or conditions, often compared to others. It is mostly used in neutral contexts.

  • Children from advantaged backgrounds often have more educational resources.
  • Living close to the city center puts you in an advantaged position for job opportunities.
elite

This word is used to describe a group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or field, often having power or wealth. It can have a neutral or negative connotation, implying exclusivity.

  • He was part of the elite team chosen to compete in the international tournament.
  • The decisions are often made by a small elite that does not represent the majority.
entitled

This word is used to describe someone who believes they deserve special treatment or privileges without having earned them. It often has a negative connotation.

  • She felt entitled to the promotion despite her lack of experience.
  • His entitled attitude made it difficult for him to make friends.

Examples of usage

  • He comes from a privileged background.
  • She grew up with a privileged education.
Context #2 | Adjective

in information

Having access to information or knowledge that is not available to everyone.

Synonyms

confidential, exclusive, restricted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
privileged

This word is used to describe someone who has special advantages or opportunities that others do not have.

  • Being a part of this family has given him a privileged position in society.
  • The students from the privileged background often have better access to education.
exclusive

This word is used when something is limited to a particular group of people or is not available to everyone. It often implies a sense of luxury or high status.

  • They were invited to an exclusive event at the highest-end club in the city.
  • Membership in this gym is exclusive and requires a high annual fee.
confidential

This word is used in situations where information is meant to be kept secret and not shared with others.

  • The company policy states that all client information must be kept confidential.
  • He signed a confidentiality agreement to protect the sensitive data.
restricted

This word is used when access or information is limited or controlled, often for security or privacy reasons.

  • Access to the military base is restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • There are restricted areas within the laboratory where only certain staff members are allowed.

Examples of usage

  • The privileged few who have insider information can make huge profits.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • Social privilege can manifest in various forms, including race, gender, economic status, and access to education.
  • Research indicates that people often donโ€™t recognize their own privileges, which can lead to misunderstandings about societal equity.
  • Privilege can influence opportunities in life, such as job prospects and educational access, often without individuals being aware.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'Gossip Girl' and 'The O.C.' explore the lives of privileged teenagers in a wealthy setting.
  • Many songs and movies discuss themes of privilege, grappling with the differences between social classes.
  • The term is frequently referenced in social movements, emphasizing the need for awareness and change towards equality.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who have privilege may develop a strong sense of entitlement, impacting their worldviews.
  • Psychologists suggest that awareness of privilege can lead to greater empathy and social responsibility.
  • Experiencing privilege can affect cognitive biases, such as underestimating the challenges faced by those without the same advantages.

Education

  • Educational literature often discusses the role of privilege in access to resources, influencing academic success.
  • Schools in affluent areas may provide more advanced placement courses, showcasing a systemic aspect of privilege.
  • Educational reforms strive to address privilege by promoting equity in funding and resources across different school districts.

Origin of 'privileged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'privilegium', which means a law affecting one person, showing its roots in legal terms.
  • In the 14th century, it was used to refer to special rights granted by a sovereign or authority.
  • By the 19th century, 'privileged' began to describe socially advantaged groups in society.

The word 'privileged' originated from the Latin word 'privilegium', which meant a law for just one person, a benefit enjoyed by an individual or a group beyond what is available to others. Over time, the meaning expanded to include special advantages or rights. The concept of privilege has been a topic of discussion in social, political, and economic contexts, highlighting disparities and inequalities in society.

See also: privilege, privileges.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,397 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.