Privileges
ˈprɪvəlɪdʒɪz
Definitions
2 meaningsA special right or advantage that is given to a person or group that is not given to everyone else.
ˈprɪvəlɪdʒɪz
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
Students with perfect attendance received special parking privileges.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a special pass that lets you skip the line at the amusement park, while everyone else has to wait. That's kind of what a privilege is: a special advantage that not everyone has. It's like having a VIP pass.
👶 For kids: It's like when you get to do something special that other kids don't get to do, like staying up later than your friends.
More Examples
The company offered its employees a range of benefits and privileges.
She enjoyed the privileges of being a member of the club.
How It's Used
"Diplomatic privileges protect ambassadors from prosecution."
"Having a first-class ticket offers travel privileges."
To give a special right or advantage to someone or something.
ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ
To grant a privilege or special right to.
The company privileged its long-term customers with early access to sales.
💡 Simply: If you 'privilege' something, you're giving it an advantage. Imagine the teacher deciding who gets to read their book first. If she *privileges* Sarah, Sarah goes first.
👶 For kids: To let someone do something special.
More Examples
The school system privileges academic achievement over other forms of talent.
The government privileges certain industries through subsidies.
How It's Used
"The law privileges certain groups over others."
"The school privileges students who volunteer."
Synonyms
Advantage
Benefit
Immunity
Prerogative
Accord
Confer
Favor
Grant
Idioms & expressions
a privilege and a duty
something that is seen as both a special opportunity and a responsibility.
"Voting is a privilege and a duty of citizenship."
From Latin *privilegium* ('a law applying to a private individual'), from *privus* ('private') + *lex* ('law').
Historically, the word "privilege" often referred to special rights granted by royalty or government to specific individuals or groups, setting them apart from the general populace.
Memory tip
Think of a private LEG (law) – a private advantage.