feeling of privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the emotional awareness or acknowledgment of one's advantages or benefits in a particular context, often in relation to social or economic status. Example: "She often reflects on her feeling of privilege when considering the opportunities she has had compared to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The piece began: "About the death of any friend one feels sadness; with some, though, that sadness is tempered by gratitude, by a feeling of privilege to have been able to live in the world at the same time as the one who's gone".

The New Yorker

About the death of any friend one feels sadness; with some, though, that sadness is tempered by gratitude, by a feeling of privilege to have been able to live in the world at the same time as the one who's gone.

The New Yorker

By C. K. Williams October 30, 2014 About the death of any friend one feels sadness; with some, though, that sadness is tempered by gratitude, by a feeling of privilege to have been able to live in the world at the same time as the one who's gone.

The New Yorker

Whatever happens, win or lose, I will look back on this time with a great feeling of privilege.

Science Magazine

I can't count the amount of times I looked around and thought, "Yes, this is where I am meant to be right now," and felt the chills that come with that immense feeling of privilege and gratitude for it.

Huffington Post

They include: Entitlement (feeling of privilege) Personal irresponsibility (blaming others/external factors for criminal behavior) Power Orientation (the need for power/control over others) Justification (minimization of seriousness of antisocial acts) Cold Heartedness (callousness) Criminal Rationalization (negative attitude toward law and authority figures).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I still recall my feelings of privilege and elation upon viewing such ancient objects of mythology and of art, preserved incredibly through the centuries, on the same site where the civilization that had believed in them once flourished.

The New Yorker

Only Daniel — which, interestingly, also spruced itself up recently, just in time for the recession — and Per Se give you quite the same feeling of giddy privilege.

The New York Times - Food

It has made me more compassionate and patient in working with clients experiencing mental health symptoms, but it also challenges me with painful reminders of past experiences that continue to be shrouded in shame and a feeling of unearned privilege.

Vice

"When these kinds of things come up, I think historians would say something significant has happened with respect to gender inequality that men are feeling their position of privilege as challenged and this is a cultural reaction that takes place after that happens".

Vice

I want other people to share this feeling of humility and privilege that I feel being a part of the US Olympic Team.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex topics like social inequality, use "feeling of privilege" with sensitivity to avoid generalizations or blaming individuals for systemic issues.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of privilege" in a way that suggests privilege is solely about individual feelings or experiences, rather than acknowledging its systemic and structural dimensions. Recognize that it's not just about feeling privileged, but being privileged due to systemic factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of privilege" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the emotional awareness or acknowledgment of one's advantages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feeling of privilege" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the subjective experience of recognizing one's advantages. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a variety of contexts, most notably in News & Media and Science. The phrase often carries connotations of either gratitude or, increasingly, a critical awareness of social inequality. When using the phrase, it's essential to consider the potential for misinterpretation and choose words that accurately reflect the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "awareness of advantages" or "sense of entitlement" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consciousness of privilege

Highlights the state of being aware of one's own privileged status.

awareness of advantages

Focuses on the conscious recognition of benefits others may not possess.

sense of entitlement

Implies a belief that one is inherently deserving of certain advantages or benefits.

understanding of one's privileged position

Focuses on a deeper comprehension of the power dynamics associated with privilege.

recognition of unearned benefits

Emphasizes that the advantages were not necessarily earned through personal merit.

acknowledgment of preferential treatment

Highlights the act of admitting that one is being treated better than others.

appreciation for one's advantages

Highlights the gratitude felt for the benefits and opportunities one has.

feeling of being fortunate

Shifts the focus to the positive emotional response associated with having advantages.

feeling of being favored

Emphasizes that someone is preferred over others.

sense of being blessed

Connects the feeling of privilege to a sense of divine favor or good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of privilege" to express an awareness of advantages, as in: "She described a "feeling of privilege" when she was awarded the scholarship."

What's the difference between "feeling of privilege" and "sense of entitlement"?

"Feeling of privilege" implies an awareness of one's advantages, while "sense of entitlement" suggests a belief that one is inherently deserving of those advantages, regardless of merit.

What are some alternatives to "feeling of privilege"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "awareness of advantages", "consciousness of privilege", or "understanding of one's privileged position".

Is it always negative to have a "feeling of privilege"?

Not necessarily. A "feeling of privilege" can lead to positive actions, such as using one's advantages to advocate for social justice or support those less fortunate. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the structural factors that create privilege.