privilege
PRIHV-lihj
Privilege (noun) means a special right, benefit, or advantage available to some people but not others. Example: “Free healthcare should be a right, not a privilege for the few.”
noun
1
A special right, benefit, or advantage available to some people but not others.
"Free healthcare should be a right, not a privilege for the few."
"Access to the exclusive lounge is a privilege reserved for first-class passengers."
"Growing up with wealth gave her privileges many of her classmates never had."
2
A rare or fortunate opportunity to do something.
"It was a privilege to sing at my grandfather's birthday party."
"We feel it is a real privilege to teach such talented students."
"It was a privilege to meet the author in person."
verb
1
To give someone a special right or advantage.
"The old system privileged students from wealthy families."
"Some critics say the law privileges big companies over small shops."
"The policy privileges long-term employees over new hires."
How to use privilege
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA special advantage, right, or opportunity that not everyone gets.
Common pairings
a privilege to
special privileges
check your privilege
the privilege of
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Word forms
- Plural
- privileges
- Third person singular
- privileges
- Past tense
- privileged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Free healthcare should be a right, not a _____ for the few.
Etymology
From Latin privilegium, originally meaning a law made for or against a specific individual — from privus ("private") plus lex ("law").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for privilege
See all rhymes for privilege →Frequently asked questions
What does “privilege” mean?
The word “privilege” means a special right, benefit, or advantage available to some people but not others. In plain terms, a special advantage, right, or opportunity that not everyone gets.
How do you pronounce “privilege”?
“Privilege” is pronounced PRIHV-lihj (/ˈpɹɪv.ɪ.lɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “privilege” in a sentence?
Here is “privilege” used in a sentence: “Access to the exclusive lounge is a privilege reserved for first-class passengers.”
What is another word for “privilege”?
Words with a similar meaning to “privilege” include claim and liberty.
What part of speech is “privilege”?
Depending on how it is used, “privilege” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “privilege” come from?
The word “privilege” comes from Latin. From Latin privilegium, originally meaning a law made for or against a specific individual — from privus ("private") plus lex ("law").
Is “privilege” a common word?
“Privilege” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “privilege” have?
“Privilege” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a special right, benefit, or advantage available to some people but not others.
What is the difference between a "privilege" and a "right"?
A "right" is something a person is entitled to and cannot normally be denied, while a "privilege" is a special benefit or advantage granted to some people but not to everyone. Privileges can usually be earned, given, or taken away, whereas rights are meant to apply to all.
Is it "privilege of" or "privilege to"?
Both are correct in different structures. Use "the privilege of" before a noun or -ing form, as in "the privilege of membership" or "the privilege of meeting her," and use "a privilege to" before a verb, as in "it was a privilege to speak."
How do you spell "privilege" correctly?
It is spelled p-r-i-v-i-l-e-g-e, with an "i" in the second syllable and no "d." Common misspellings such as "priviledge" or "privelege" are incorrect; a helpful reminder is that it contains the word "vile" in the middle.
