Privilege
/ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/noun
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a person or group.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *privilegium*, literally a law that applied to one person only, often in a restrictive or exceptional sense before it became a marker of status.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
privilegium
“a law or decree affecting one person; an exceptional law, often a special restriction or favor”
Late Latin
Latin
privilegia
“plural form used in legal and administrative contexts”
Old French
Old French
privilege
“a special right, franchise, or exemption”
Middle English
English
privilege
“a granted right or exemption; a special prerogative”
Modern English
English
privilege
“a special advantage, right, or immunity enjoyed by some but not all”