Word
privileged
Phoneticspriv·i·leged, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɪvɪɫədʒd/
UK/pɹˈɪvɪlɪdʒd/
Definitions
01socially advantaged
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having special rights, wealth, or advantages that other people do not have.
adj. possessing social, economic, or political advantages often unavailable to the general population.
“She grew up in a privileged family and attended the best private schools.”
“The report highlights how students from privileged backgrounds continue to dominate high-ranking positions in the civil service.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02legally protected
C1 · Advanced Law Technical
adj. describing information that is legally protected and does not have to be shared in court.
adj. legally protected from discovery or disclosure in a court of law, typically due to the nature of the relationship between parties.
“The lawyer explained that their conversation was privileged and could not be used as evidence.”
“The judge ruled that the internal emails were privileged and therefore exempt from the discovery process during the litigation.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'attorney-client privileged information'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03honoured
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. feeling very lucky or honoured to have a special opportunity.
adj. experiencing a sense of honour or gratitude for being granted a specific opportunity or experience.
“I felt very privileged to meet the president during his visit to our city.”
“The researchers felt privileged to be the first team allowed into the ancient tomb since its discovery a decade ago.”
Real-World Examples
“Now, they have walked out of their respective lives with the intention of atoning for their privileged existences through a “meaningfully violent act” against “a prominent American target”.” “By the late 19th century, the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society had a “ joint permanent eclipse committee ”, government funding and privileged access to the navy and colonial administrations.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/privileged