Privileges: meaning, definitions and examples
🔑
privileges
[ˈprɪvɪlɪʤɪz ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| grant |
Use 'grant' in official or formal settings when giving or allowing something, especially in legal or administrative contexts.
|
| bestow |
Use 'bestow' in more formal or ceremonial contexts when conferring an honor, gift, or title upon someone.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin term 'privilegium', meaning 'private law', referring to laws that applied only to certain individuals.
- In medieval times, the term was associated with the special rights granted to nobles and clergy, distinct from common people.
- In modern usage, it reflects a broad range of social, economic, and legal advantages people can have.
Social Sciences
- Sociologists explore how privileges can create disparities in access to resources and opportunities in society.
- Privilege can be based on factors including race, gender, wealth, and education, influencing life experiences.
- The concept of 'white privilege' highlights the unearned advantages white people may hold in predominantly white societies.
Historical Context
- Privileges have been historically significant in determining social hierarchy, often influencing laws regarding serfdom and aristocracy.
- The Magna Carta of 1215 is a key historical document that began limiting royal privileges in England, setting the stage for modern democracy.
- In the United States, the Civil Rights Movement challenged systemic privileges based on race, advocating for equal rights.
Literature
- In literature, characters’ privileges often define their roles, influencing plots and moral lessons about inequality.
- Classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' explore issues of privilege, social expectations, and the consequences of class divisions.
- Modern authors frequently critique privilege, prompting readers to reflect on societal norms through engaging narratives.
Psychology
- Psychological research shows that awareness of one's own privileges can impact empathy and drive social justice initiatives.
- Privilege can lead to a phenomenon known as 'privilege blindness', where individuals overlook their own advantages.
- Understanding privilege can enhance interpersonal relationships and foster more inclusive environments.
Pop Culture
- TV shows and movies often depict privilege, highlighting characters from affluent backgrounds and their challenges.
- Songs like 'Fight the Power' draw attention to social inequities and challenge the status quo of privilege in society.
- Popular culture encourages discussions about privilege, pushing audiences to question norms and advocate for change.
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
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.
- ...
- 3722 shadow
- 3723 lime
- 3724 technological
- 3725 privileges
- 3726 migration
- 3727 appreciation
- 3728 specially
- ...