privilege

[ priv-uh-lij, priv-lij ]

noun

1. 1. a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or a restricted group of people beyond the advantages of most:

      Few people have access to the privileges of the very rich.

   2. the unearned and mostly unacknowledged societal advantage that a restricted group of people has over another group: male privilege;

      white privilege based on skin color;

      male privilege;

      children of privilege.

2. a special right, immunity, or exemption granted to persons in authority or office to free them from certain obligations or liabilities:

   It's a privilege of a senator to speak in Congress without danger of a libel suit.

3. a grant to an individual, corporation, etc., of a special right or immunity, under certain conditions.
4. the principle or condition of enjoying special rights or immunities.

   Synonyms: liberty, freedom, license

5. any of the rights common to all citizens under a modern constitutional government:

   We enjoy the privileges of a free people.

6. an advantage or source of pleasure granted to a person:

   It's my privilege to be here.

7. Stock Exchange. an option to buy or sell stock at a stipulated price for a limited period of time, including puts, calls, spreads, and straddles.

verb (used with object)

, priv·i·leged, priv·i·leg·ing.

1. to grant a privilege to.
2. to exempt (usually followed by from ).
3. to authorize or license (something otherwise forbidden).

privilege

/ ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ /

noun

1. a benefit, immunity, etc, granted under certain conditions
2. the advantages and immunities enjoyed by a small usually powerful group or class, esp to the disadvantage of others

   one of the obstacles to social harmony is privilege

3. any of the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of a country by its constitution
4. 1. the right of a lawyer to refuse to divulge information obtained in confidence from a client
   2. the right claimed by any of certain other functionaries to refuse to divulge information

      executive privilege

5. the rights and immunities enjoyed by members of most legislative bodies, such as freedom of speech, freedom from arrest in civil cases during a session, etc
6. stock exchange a speculative contract permitting its purchaser to make optional purchases or sales of securities at a specified time over a limited period of time See also call put spread straddle

verb

1. to bestow a privilege or privileges upon
2. foll by from to free or exempt

Other Words From

• priv·i·leg·er noun
• pro·priv·i·lege adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of privilege¹

First recorded in 1125–75; (noun) Middle English; earlier privilegie, from Old French privilege, from Latin prīvilēgium originally, “a law (for or against an individual),” equivalent to prīvi- (combining form of prīvus “one's own, private”) + lēg- ( legal ) + -ium -ium; (verb) Middle English privilegen, from Middle French privilegier, from Medieval Latin prīvilēgiāre, derivative of prīvilēgium

Word History and Origins

Origin of privilege¹

C12: from Old French privilēge, from Latin prīvilēgium law relevant to rights of an individual, from prīvus an individual + lēx law

Synonym Study

Privilege, prerogative refer to a special advantage or right possessed by an individual or group. A privilege is a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession. It can have either legal or personal sanction: the privilege of paying half fare; the privilege of calling whenever one wishes. Prerogative refers to an exclusive right claimed and granted, often officially or legally, on the basis of social status, heritage, gender, etc.: the prerogatives of a king; the prerogatives of management.

Example Sentences

While Myles accepts the "privilege" of being able to reach so many online and on tour, he feels it’s important to highlight the "other side".

From BBC

I don't have the privilege of being immobilized, so since Wednesday morning I've been working on what I can do to help the situation in any way that I possibly can.

From Salon

The post continued: “His Grand Immortal Dictator wishes to celebrate our rich and storied culture, fine foods, and musical entertainments by welcoming you to these great demonstrations of power and resolve. And lending voice and song for the first time in six thousand two hundred and forty six days, their work privilege ceremoniously reinstated, will be His Grand Immortal Dictator’s National Band… The Black Parade.”

From Los Angeles Times

For him to sing any of my songs was a great privilege.

From Los Angeles Times

“I had the privilege to have Tony as my friend and client for over 30 years and I will miss that amazing man every single day,” Goldberg said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advantage
• allowance
• authority
• authorization
• benefit
• concession
• due
• entitlement
• exemption
• freedom
• immunity
• license
• opportunity
• prerogative
• right