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Added 9 October 2026

privilege

/ˈpɹɪv.(ɪ.)lɪd͡ʒ/ noun

In Latin: privilegium Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about privilege at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?
An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).

verb

To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize
to privilege representatives from arrest
To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
To prioritize.

Origin

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”). Displaced native Old English frēols (“privilege, immunity”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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