What does "privilege" mean?
An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
Privilege
/ˈpɹɪv(ɪ)lɪd͡ʒ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
- Grammar: privilege is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: prerogative, accentuate, accomplishment, advantage.
- Useful contrasts: roman citizen duties, deemphasize, deny.
- Usage evidence: We give foreign tourists the privilege of tax exemption.
How to use "privilege"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "privilege" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "privilege" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "privilege" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "privilege" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "privilege" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "prerogative" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "privilege", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope. countable, historical, uncountable
- 2 a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all wordnet
- 3 A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment. countable
"All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?"
- 4 a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right) wordnet
- 5 An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something). countable, uncountable
"I had the privilege to sit near him in the House for a small part of his Commons service and there was an additional device provided to aid his participation in debates."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 (law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship wordnet
- 7 The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society. uncountable
"People who at any other time would cling like glue to their miserable scraps of privilege, will surrender them fast enough when their country is in danger."
- 8 A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members. countable, uncountable
"Dr Grigori Loutchansky is – according to a congressman speaking under congressional privilege – a "purported Russian mob figure"."
- 9 A stock market option. US, archaic, countable
- 10 A common law doctrine that protects certain communications from being used as evidence in court. countable, uncountable
"Your honor, my client is not required to answer that; her response is protected by attorney-client privilege."
- 11 An ability to perform an action on the system that can be selectively granted or denied to users. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize archaic, transitive
"to privilege representatives from arrest"
- 2 bestow a privilege upon wordnet
- 3 To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver. archaic
- 4 To prioritize. transitive
"“Rolling Stone” is spacious and ethereal but not directionless — it is R&B that privileges mood over structure, soft daubs of feeling over authoritative belting."
Antonyms
Example
"We give foreign tourists the privilege of tax exemption."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "privilege"?
Common synonyms include: prerogative, accentuate, accomplishment, advantage, advantage, allowance.
How do you use "privilege" in a sentence?
We give foreign tourists the privilege of tax exemption.
How do you pronounce "privilege"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɪv(ɪ)lɪd͡ʒ/.
Etymology
From Middle English privilege, from Anglo-Norman privilege and Old French privilege, from Latin prīvilēgium (“ordinance or law against or in favor of an individual”), from prīvus (“private”) + lēx, lēg- (“law”).