privilege

/pɹˈɪvɪlɪd‍ʒ/

/ˈpɹɪvɪɫədʒ/, /ˈpɹɪvɪɫɪdʒ/, /ˈpɹɪvɫədʒ/, /ˈpɹɪvɫɪdʒ/

[noun] [verb]

Privilege

[NOUN]

a special right, immunity or advantage that only a particular person or group has

a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)

synonyms : exclusive right

perquisite

prerogative

(law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship

to privilege

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

bestow a privilege upon

synonyms : favor

favour

Examples

1. Lucy, the Benjamin of the family, always receives extra attention and privileges from her parents.

2. A Xerox subsidy can be expensive for a company if employees abuse the privilege.

3. If the government had its way, we'd be taxed for the privilege to breathe!

4. The CEO liked to remind his employees that we are all Adam's children but silk makes the difference - a way of acknowledging the privilege that came with his position, while also emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.