privilege

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A special right or advantage that only some people have.

   Members enjoy the privilege of free parking.

2. 2
   noun

   A special opportunity or honour that you are lucky to have.

   It was a privilege to meet such a famous writer.

3. 3
   noun

   The advantages enjoyed by a wealthy or powerful group in society.

   He grew up in a world of wealth and privilege.

4. 4
   verb

   To treat someone or something as more important than others.

   The new policy privileges large companies over small ones.

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”).

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