Privilege

Definition

Privilege refers to a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/
• Respelling: PRIV-ə-lij (with "PRIV" as in "give," "ə" as a short, unstressed sound as in "about," and "lij" as in "college")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ/
• Respelling: PRIV-i-lij (with "PRIV" as in "give," "i" as in "bit," and "lij" as in "college")

In both dialects, "privilege" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "PRIV." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with a focus on the "PRIV" part.

Etymology

The term "privilege" comes from the Latin word "privilegium," meaning a law for just one individual, a benefit or advantage. The term has undergone various transformations in usage and application through history, adapting to cultural, social, and legal changes.

Derivatives

• Privileged
• Underprivileged
• Disprivilege
• Reprivilege
• Privileging

Synonyms

• Advantage
• Benefit
• Perk

Antonyms

• Disadvantage
• Handicap
• Detriment

Usage

The concept of privilege can be applied in multiple domains such as social, economic, racial, gender-based, and many more. Privilege can also be implicit, where individuals benefiting from it are not consciously aware of the advantage they possess.

Related Terms

• Social Privilege
• White Privilege
• Male Privilege

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Special Right or Advantage: A special advantage exclusive to a particular individual or group, often a right considered as being granted by virtue of their position, social status, or identity.
• Example: Wealthy people have the privilege of better healthcare options.

• Legal Exception: In the context of law, privilege can refer to an exception that allows certain individuals to withhold evidence or testimony during legal proceedings.
• Example: Attorney-client privilege prevents the disclosure of confidential communications in court.

Verb

• To Grant a Special Right: To grant a special right, advantage, or immunity to an individual or group.
• Example: The program privileges students who show academic excellence.

• To Make Something More Likely: To make an outcome more probable by providing an advantage.
• Example: The scoring system privileges those who answer quickly.