First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1privilege
noun priv·i·lege \ˈpriv-lij, ˈpri-və-\
: a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others
: a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud
: the advantage that wealthy and powerful people have over other people in a society
Full Definition of PRIVILEGE
: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : prerogative; especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office
See privilege defined for English-language learners
See privilege defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of PRIVILEGE
- It is evolving into an elite institution, open chiefly to the well-educated few. In short, marriage is becoming yet another form of privilege. —Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, Commonweal, 2 Dec. 2005
- The oldest of the students, she had become a confidante of Fern's and she alone was allowed to call her by her first name. It was not a privilege the others coveted. —Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003
- But the two were grown in the same petri dish of power, prep school and privilege. —Howard Fineman, Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2000
- [+]more
Origin of PRIVILEGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin privilegium law for or against a private person, from privus private + leg-, lex law
Related to PRIVILEGE
- Synonyms
- appanage (also apanage), boon, concession, honor
2privilege
verb priv·i·lege \ˈpriv-lij, ˈpri-və-\
: to give an advantage that others do not have to (someone or something)
priv·i·legedpriv·i·leg·ing
Full Definition of PRIVILEGE
transitive verb
1
: to grant a privilege to(see 1privilege)
2
: to accord a higher value or superior position to <privilege one mode of discourse over another>
See privilege defined for English-language learners
Origin of PRIVILEGE
(see 1privilege)
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PRIVILEGE
- Antonyms
- disqualify
PRIVILEGE Defined for Kids
privilege
noun priv·i·lege \ˈpri-və-lij\
Definition of PRIVILEGE for Kids
1
: a right or liberty granted as a favor or benefit especially to some and not others
2
: an opportunity that is special and pleasant <I had the privilege of meeting the president.>
Learn More About PRIVILEGE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: privilegedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: privies in representationAll Words Near: privilege
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up privilege? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).