Entitled
ɪnˈtaɪtld
Definitions
3 meaningsTo give (someone) a legal right or a just claim to receive or do something.
ɪnˈtaɪtəl
To give someone the right to do or have something.
The government program is designed to entitle low-income families to financial aid.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a special card that lets you get free ice cream at any store. 'Entitled' means you have that card – you have a right to get something.
👶 For kids: When you're entitled, it means you have permission or a right to do something.
More Examples
The terms of the will entitle her to the family estate.
If you have a valid ticket, you are entitled to board the plane.
How It's Used
"The contract entitles the employee to a bonus."
"Children often feel entitled to their parents' possessions."
Believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.
ɪnˈtaɪtld
Her entitled behavior made it difficult for people to work with her.
💡 Simply: Imagine a person who thinks they deserve everything without earning it. That person is 'entitled', like they were automatically given special treatment without having to do anything for it.
👶 For kids: When someone's entitled, they think they should get anything they want just because they want it.
More Examples
The spoiled child displayed an entitled attitude, demanding everything.
It's important to avoid raising entitled children who expect things to be handed to them.
How It's Used
"The entitled attitude of some celebrities is often criticized."
"Entitled individuals often have difficulty accepting criticism."
Having a title given to it.
ɪnˈtaɪtld
Given a title or name.
The article was entitled "The Benefits of Exercise."
💡 Simply: If something has a name, like a book, movie, or song, it's 'entitled' to it.
👶 For kids: When something has a name, we say it is entitled.
More Examples
The research paper was entitled "Climate Change Impacts."
The painting, entitled "Starry Night," is one of Van Gogh's most famous works.
How It's Used
"The book was entitled "The Secret Garden"."
"The movie was entitled "Interstellar.""
From Middle English 'entitlen', from Old French 'entituler' (to give a title), from Latin 'intitulare' (to inscribe), from 'in-' (in, on) + 'titulus' (title).
The term's usage has evolved from legal contexts to encompass social and psychological behaviors, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards privilege and rights.
Memory tip
Think of giving someone a 'title' that grants them certain privileges.
Word Origin
"title, inscription"