privileged

[priv-uh-lijd, priv-lijd]

adjective

1. belonging to a class that enjoys special privileges; favored.

   the privileged few.

2. entitled to or exercising a privilege.

3. restricted to a select group or individual.

   privileged information; a privileged position.

4. Law.,  (of utterances or communications)

   1. not rendering the person making them liable to prosecution for libel or slander, in view of the attendant circumstances.

   2. not requiring any testimony concerning them to be presented in court.

5. Navigation.,  (of a vessel) having the right of way.

privileged

/ ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd /

adjective

1. enjoying or granted as a privilege or privileges

2. law

   1. not actionable as a libel or slander

   2. (of a communication, document, etc) that a witness cannot be compelled to divulge

3. nautical (of a vessel) having the right of way

Other Word Forms

• nonprivileged adjective
• quasi-privileged adjective
• unprivileged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of privileged¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; privilege + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Ms. Vaughan argues that, over time, NASA’s work culture privileged risk-taking, such as launching at temperatures known to cause O-ring damage.

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I feel very privileged that this is not my main job.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We're massive fans and we were fortunate enough to be able to buy the property and feel very privileged and honoured to own it," said Lisa.

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And what would Tolstoy – who, though born a noble, later in life renounced his privileged upbringing and wealth – think of the bogan version?

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She declined to share this evidence, saying it was privileged as part of her client’s file.

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Related Words

• honored 
• powerful