English · Culture & Society
privilege
/ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/
[/ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/]
special advantage
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group. It often refers to unearned social advantages.
Example
He recognized that his expensive education was a privilege many of his classmates never had.
He recognized that his expensive education was a privilege many of his classmates never had.
Etymology
From Latin 'privilegium' (a law for one person), from 'privus' (private) and 'lex' (law).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in social debate and everyday speech.