privilege

[ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ]

privilege Definition

a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.

Using privilege: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "privilege" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I have the privilege of working from home.

  • Example

    It's a privilege to be able to travel the world.

  • Example

    He was born into a life of privilege and wealth.

  • Example

    The country club is a symbol of privilege.

privilege Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using privilege

  • to be born into a wealthy and privileged family

    Example

    She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and has never had to worry about money.

  • to have everything going for oneself, to be in a position of great advantage or privilege

    Example

    He's got the world on a string with his successful career and loving family.

  • information that is restricted or confidential and not available to the general public

    Example

    As a lawyer, she had access to privileged information about her clients.

Phrases with privilege

  • the societal privileges that benefit white people beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same social, political, or economic circumstances

    Example

    Many people are unaware of their white privilege and how it affects their daily lives.

  • the societal privileges that benefit men beyond what is commonly experienced by women under the same social, political, or economic circumstances

    Example

    The concept of male privilege has been widely discussed in feminist discourse.

  • the societal privileges that benefit people of higher social classes beyond what is commonly experienced by people of lower social classes under the same social, political, or economic circumstances

    Example

    Class privilege is often invisible to those who possess it.

Origins of privilege

from Old French 'privilege', meaning 'basic law'

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Summary: privilege in Brief

The term 'privilege' [ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ] refers to a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. It can manifest in various forms such as 'white privilege,' 'male privilege,' and 'class privilege.' The idiom 'born with a silver spoon in one's mouth' denotes being born into a wealthy and privileged family, while 'have the world on a string' means to be in a position of great advantage or privilege. 'Privileged information' refers to information that is restricted or confidential.

How do native speakers use this expression?