Rights: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a legal or moral sense, often referring to fundamental laws or human rights guaranteed to all individuals.

• Everyone has the right to free speech.
• Women's rights are human rights.

Refers to benefits or privileges legally granted to people, often by a government program or another formal system.

• Senior citizens have entitlements to social security benefits.
• The company offers employee entitlements like paid vacations and health insurance.

Refers to special advantages or benefits enjoyed by a particular person or group, often not available to others, sometimes implying exclusivity or inequality.

• Having a personal chauffeur is a privilege, not a right.
• Students with good grades can enjoy certain privileges like extended library hours.

Emphasizes the state of being free from oppression, constraints, or limitations, often associated with political or personal liberties.

• Freedom of religion is an essential part of a democratic society.
• The constitution guarantees several essential freedoms.

This entry refers to legal entitlements associated with specific contexts such as workers' rights, women's rights, etc.

• The movement seeks to improve women's rights in the workplace
• Animal rights activists protest against cruelty

Refers specifically to the personal freedoms that are protected from government interference, often enshrined in a country's constitution.

• The government's decision to curtail freedom of assembly is seen as an attack on civil liberties
• Civil liberties include freedom of thought and movement

Often associated with philosophical discussions, these are rights believed to be granted by nature or God, and not dependent on laws or customs.

• Natural rights theory posits that all humans are entitled to basic freedoms and ethics by virtue of their humanity
• Philosophers like John Locke argued that property and liberty are natural rights

Refers to rights that cannot be surrendered, sold, or transferred to someone else, often thought of as inherent and universal.

• Everyone is born with certain inalienable rights, such as the right to life and liberty
• The Declaration of Independence emphasizes the inalienable rights of individuals

This is a duplicate of the first entry.

This term is often used in legal or governmental contexts referring to benefits or privileges that people have a legal right to receive. It can also imply a sense of being granted specific benefits.

• Social Security benefits are considered entitlements.
• He feels entitled to a fair trial.

This term is used when referring to the authorization or consent given to someone to perform a specific action. It implies that the action may not have been allowed without this explicit approval.

• You need permission to enter the restricted area.
• She asked for permission to use the car.

Use this term when referring to special advantages or benefits granted to a person or group that are not necessarily available to everyone. Privileges can often be seen as something earned or given as a special favor.

• Members of the club enjoy several privileges, including access to the private lounge.
• Having a company car is a privilege, not a right.