Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Privileges: meaning, definitions and examples

🔑
Add to dictionary

privileges

 

[ ˈprɪvɪlɪʤɪz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

access control

Privileges refer to the special rights or advantages granted to an individual or a group. These rights can include access to certain information, resources, or opportunities that are not available to the general public.

Synonyms

advantages, benefits, perks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
privileges

Privileges refer to special rights or advantages granted to a particular person or group. This word is often used in formal or legal contexts, or when discussing societal structures and inequalities.

  • Being a club member comes with certain privileges
  • Some people enjoy privileges that others do not have
advantages

Advantages refer to conditions or circumstances that put one in a favorable or superior position. This word is often used in competitive or comparative situations.

  • His height gives him a clear advantage in basketball
  • They had the advantage of being able to start the project early
benefits

Benefits refer to positive outcomes or improvement gained from something. This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts such as health, work, or general life improvements.

  • The health benefits of regular exercise are well-documented
  • Employees are provided with several benefits, including health insurance
perks

Perks refer to extra advantages or benefits that come in addition to one's main salary or status, often informal and used in the context of job-related or lifestyle rewards.

  • One of the perks of this job is the company car
  • Free lunches are one of the many perks of working here

Examples of usage

  • Employees with higher privileges can access confidential company data.
  • Having the privilege to work remotely is considered a benefit in many companies.
  • The manager has the privilege of approving all expense reports.
  • Privileges are often assigned based on job roles and responsibilities.
  • In some countries, voting is considered a privilege and a civic duty.
Context #2 | Verb

granting special rights

To privilege means to grant someone special rights, advantages, or opportunities. It is the act of bestowing a particular benefit or favor upon an individual or a group.

Synonyms

bestow, favor, grant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
privileges

Use 'privileges' when talking about special rights or advantages given to a person or group, especially in a context of societal or organizational status.

  • The company offers several privileges to its senior employees, such as flexible working hours and additional vacation days
grant

Use 'grant' in official or formal settings when giving or allowing something, especially in legal or administrative contexts.

  • The city council decided to grant a permit for the new community center
  • The university will grant scholarships to 100 deserving students this year
bestow

Use 'bestow' in more formal or ceremonial contexts when conferring an honor, gift, or title upon someone.

  • The queen will bestow knighthoods during the annual honors ceremony
favor

Use 'favor' when talking about an act of kindness or help provided voluntarily, often as a personal assist. It can also mean approval or liking.

  • Could you do me a favor and water my plants while I'm away? She has shown great favor towards her neighbor's children

Examples of usage

  • The professor privileged the student with extra time to complete the exam.
  • Being privileged with the opportunity to travel abroad is a wonderful experience.
  • Privileging certain employees over others can create tensions in the workplace.

Translations

Translations of the word "privileges" in other languages:

🇵🇹 privilégios

🇮🇳 विशेषाधिकार

🇩🇪 Privilegien

🇮🇩 hak istimewa

🇺🇦 привілеї

🇵🇱 przywileje

🇯🇵 特権 (とっけん)

🇫🇷 privilèges

🇪🇸 privilegios

🇹🇷 ayrıcalıklar

🇰🇷 특권 (teukgwon)

🇸🇦 امتيازات

🇨🇿 výsady

🇸🇰 privilégiá

🇨🇳 特权 (tèquán)

🇸🇮 privilegiji

🇮🇸 sérstakaréttindi

🇰🇿 артықшылықтар

🇬🇪 უფლებები

🇦🇿 imtiyazlar

🇲🇽 privilegios

Etymology

The word 'privileges' originated from the Latin word 'privilegium', which means 'law applying to one person'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-12th century. Initially, it was used in legal contexts to refer to special rights granted by law. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of special advantages or benefits.

See also: privilege, privileged.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,725, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.