privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a particular person or group. Example: "Having access to quality education is a privilege that not everyone enjoys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To get to know someone so different from myself as an octopus, and to know that the individual recognised me and even enjoyed my company, was an enormous privilege.

The Guardian

Don't they know how absurd and unedifying it is to see places such as Cardowan, Cumnock and Port Ellen associated with a bastion of unearned privilege and wealth through the political avarice of a few old grandees?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's been a fun and frenetic journey for all who have had the privilege to work on mX over the years, and every single member of the mX family is gutted by the decision to pull down the curtain," mX's editor-in-chief, Craig Herbert, wrote.

The Guardian

Coulson, because of his links with the Murdoch empire and his tabloid experience, was given the benefit of the doubt, a privilege once reserved by the establishment for chaps of impeccably upper-class background.

The Guardian - Opinion

But these proposals will transform the universal right to justice into a commercial privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mullins spoke of his "incredible seven years" and the "privilege" of working with the papers and on the launch of London Live, the local TV outlet that went to air in March.

The Guardian

"With all these choices, I have realised my thinking process about food is more a luxury and a privilege than about whether I am eating for survival".

The Guardian

So one of our concerns was what many politely call 'climate justice' but can be put more bluntly as the easy privilege of the developed world in calling for an end to fossil fuel use after we have used them for centuries to ensure the supply of our basic needs and power our economic growth.

The Guardian

Access to information is a human right, but it is often treated as a privilege.

The Guardian

Her great friend and another respected photographer on the Observer, whom I had the privilege to work along side, was the cravat-wearing Neil Libbert.

The Guardian - Arts

It is also likely to be the best of the new London towers: it was conceived more than a decade ago, when building tall was still considered such a privilege that planners, like medieval priests selling indulgences, could demand such things from developers as the generous Popas and general quality of design.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social issues, use "privilege" with careful consideration of context to avoid generalizations or insensitivity. Be specific about the type of "privilege" you are addressing (e.g., "white privilege", "economic privilege").

Common error

Avoid using "privilege" as a blanket term. Always clarify which specific advantages or benefits you are referring to, as generalizations can lead to misunderstandings and unproductive discussions.

Linguistic Context

The noun "privilege" functions as a descriptor of an advantage or benefit enjoyed by an individual or group. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, as seen in the examples provided, showcasing its role in denoting various forms of preferential treatment or exclusive access.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Opinion

22%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Business

9%

Travel

3%

Money

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "privilege" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that signifies a special advantage or benefit not universally available. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Opinion, and Arts contexts, with usage ranging from neutral to formal. When employing this term, it's crucial to be specific and contextually aware to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "advantage" or "entitlement" depending on the nuanced meaning intended. The examples provided by Ludwig serve as a useful guide for accurate and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive right

Focuses specifically on a right not shared by others.

special advantage

Highlights the beneficial aspect of having an edge over others.

entitlement

Emphasizes the belief that one is inherently deserving of something.

perk

Suggests a benefit or advantage gained as a result of one's position.

benefit

A general advantage or good thing.

immunity

Refers to exemption from a duty or penalty.

advantage

General term for a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable position.

prerogative

Indicates an exclusive right or power.

favor

Implies preferential treatment or goodwill.

lucky break

Highlights the element of chance or good fortune.

FAQs

How can the word "privilege" be used in a sentence?

You can use "privilege" to describe a special right or advantage that only certain people or groups have. For example, "Access to quality healthcare is often a "privilege", not a right."

What are some alternatives to the word "privilege"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "advantage", "benefit", "entitlement", or "prerogative" to convey a similar meaning.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "privilege"?

The term "privilege" is appropriate when discussing societal inequalities, where certain groups have advantages due to their social status, wealth, race, or other factors. It's often used in discussions about social justice and equality.

How does "privilege" differ from "right"?

"Privilege" is a special advantage or benefit that is not available to everyone, while "right" is something that is guaranteed to all individuals under law or moral principles. For example, freedom of speech is a right, but access to exclusive clubs is a "privilege".