prerogative

[ pri-rog-uh-tiv, puh-rog- ]

noun

1. an exclusive right, privilege, etc., exercised by virtue of rank, office, or the like:

   the prerogatives of a senator.

2. a right, privilege, etc., limited to a specific person or to persons of a particular category:

   It was the teacher's prerogative to stop the discussion.

3. a power, immunity, or the like restricted to a sovereign government or its representative:

   The royal prerogative exempts the king from taxation.

4. Obsolete. precedence.

adjective

1. having or exercising a prerogative.
2. pertaining to, characteristic of, or existing by virtue of a prerogative.

prerogative

/ prɪˈrɒɡətɪv /

noun

1. an exclusive privilege or right exercised by a person or group of people holding a particular office or hereditary rank
2. any privilege or right
3. a power, privilege, or immunity restricted to a sovereign or sovereign government

adjective

1. having or able to exercise a prerogative

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerogative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin praerogātīvus (adjective) “voting first,” praerogātīva (noun use of feminine of adjective) “tribe or century with right to vote first.” See pre-, interrogative

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerogative¹

C14: from Latin praerogātīva privilege, earlier: group with the right to vote first, from prae before + rogāre to ask, beg for

Synonym Study

See privilege.

Related Words

• immunity
• perquisite