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Privilege Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：special right or advantage (privilege)
privilege
/ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/
n.
A special advantage, right, or benefit that only a particular person or group has, often because of their position or wealth.
special right or advantage
➕
/ˈspeʃ.əl raɪt ɔːr ədˈvɑːn.tɪdʒ/
n.
An exclusive advantage, entitlement, or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or group, typically due to their social position, wealth, or status.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'privilegium' (private law), from 'privus' (private) + 'lex, legis' (law).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'private' + 'legal' = a private legal advantage granted to someone.
📖 Example
Attending that private school gave him the privilege of accessing excellent teachers and a huge library.
Enrolling in that exclusive school afforded him the privilege of learning from top-tier educators and using an extensive library.
🔗 Collocations
abuse of privilege – to misuse a special right or advantage one has been given
the privilege of doing something – the special right or opportunity to do something
exclusive privilege – a right or advantage available only to a very specific group
🔄 Synonyms
prerogative (n.) – An exclusive right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group based on their status.
entitlement (n.) – The fact of having a right to something, often by law or contract.
right (n.) – A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
🚫 Antonyms
disadvantage (n.) – An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success.
restriction (n.) – A limiting condition or rule that controls what is allowed.
🌱 Derivatives
privileged (adj.) – Having special rights, advantages, or immunities.
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Roman law, where a 'privilegium' was a law applying to a specific individual, granting them a unique advantage or exemption, highlighting its intrinsic link to exclusivity and social hierarchy.
Meaning 2：honor or pleasure (privilege)
privilege
/ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/
n.
A special opportunity or pleasure that makes you feel honored and lucky to have it.
honor or pleasure
➕
/ˈɒn.ər ɔː ˈpleʒ.ər/
n.
A special opportunity or experience that makes one feel honored, fortunate, or grateful to have it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
It was a great privilege for me to work alongside such experienced experts on the project.
I felt it was a great honor to collaborate with such seasoned experts on that initiative.
🔗 Collocations
have the privilege of – to be given the special honor of doing something
consider it a privilege – to regard an opportunity as a special honor
a rare privilege – an uncommon and special honor
🔄 Synonyms
honor (n.) – Great respect, esteem, or privilege bestowed upon someone.
pleasure (n.) – A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment from an experience.
opportunity (n.) – A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something, especially a favorable one.
🚫 Antonyms
chore (n.) – A routine or tedious task, often perceived as an unpleasant duty.
🌱 Derivatives
privileged (adj.) – Honored or fortunate to have a particular experience.
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