What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
privilege
Example
As a white male, he had the privilege of never having to worry about being discriminated against. [privilege: noun]
Example
She was privileged to attend a prestigious university because of her family's wealth. [privileged: adjective]
entitlement
Example
He had a sense of entitlement and expected to be promoted without putting in the necessary work. [entitlement: noun]
Example
She felt entitled to receive free healthcare because she was a citizen. [entitled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Privilege is more commonly used than entitlement in everyday language. Privilege is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while entitlement is more limited in scope and often used in specific legal or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between privilege and entitlement?
Both privilege and entitlement can be used in formal and informal contexts, but entitlement is often associated with a more negative or demanding tone, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
