prerogative

[ pri-rog-uh-tiv, puh-rog- ]

noun

1. an exclusive right, privilege, etc., exercised by virtue of rank, office, or the like:

   the prerogatives of a senator.

2. a right, privilege, etc., limited to a specific person or to persons of a particular category:

   It was the teacher's prerogative to stop the discussion.

3. a power, immunity, or the like restricted to a sovereign government or its representative:

   The royal prerogative exempts the king from taxation.

4. Obsolete. precedence.

adjective

1. having or exercising a prerogative.
2. pertaining to, characteristic of, or existing by virtue of a prerogative.

prerogative

/ prɪˈrɒɡətɪv /

noun

1. an exclusive privilege or right exercised by a person or group of people holding a particular office or hereditary rank
2. any privilege or right
3. a power, privilege, or immunity restricted to a sovereign or sovereign government

adjective

1. having or able to exercise a prerogative

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerogative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin praerogātīvus (adjective) “voting first,” praerogātīva (noun use of feminine of adjective) “tribe or century with right to vote first.” See pre-, interrogative

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerogative¹

C14: from Latin praerogātīva privilege, earlier: group with the right to vote first, from prae before + rogāre to ask, beg for

Synonym Study

See privilege.

Example Sentences

People might not like it, but it’s his prerogative who he puts in the car.

From BBC

However, that assumes that members of political parties respect the norms of constitutional government and display greater loyalty to the prerogatives of the branches of government in which they serve than their political party.

From Salon

But the National Congress, using a prerogative backed by law, overruled my veto.

From BBC

She said that the nomination of key posts, such as that of foreign minister, were a "presidential prerogative", adding that "always the presidents represented their candidates".

From BBC

“That was the prerogative of the chair,” he told reporters afterward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immunity
• perquisite