privileged

/ˈprɪvəlɪdʒd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɪvəlɪdʒd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpriv-lijd ˈpri-və-/ (ame, mw)

privileged — adjective

  • privilegedpositive
  • more privilegedcomparative
  • most privilegedsuperlative

1. Refers to a person or group that enjoys benefits, rights, or chances that most o

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Refers to a person or group that enjoys benefits, rights, or chances that most others are unable to access. It also describes the sense of being deeply honored when offered a unique opportunity.

例句

Tomás grew up in a privileged family with access to the best schools.

collocation: privileged family

Only privileged employees were allowed to use the private lounge.

同義詞
  • advantaged

    A neutral, factual description of having benefits over others; less emotional than 'privileged'

  • fortunate

    Focuses on luck rather than systemic advantage; can be used in everyday contexts

  • honored

    Only for the 'proud opportunity' sub-meaning; used with 'feel' or 'be' + to-infinitive

反義詞
  • underprivileged

    Direct opposite; describes people lacking basic opportunities or resources

  • disadvantaged

    Broader opposite; focuses on lack of advantages rather than legal or social status

文法句型

be privileged + to-infinitive

feel privileged + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently used with the verb 'feel' or 'be' followed by a to-infinitive to express honor about a rare opportunity. Also common as an attributive adjective before nouns such as 'background', 'family', 'position', or 'class'.

常見錯誤

❌He comes from a privileged family who are very rich.
✅He comes from a privileged family with many advantages.
💡'Privileged' refers to having advantages or opportunities, not merely to being wealthy.
❌I was privileged to attend the meeting' (when you simply attended).
✅I was glad to attend the meeting.
💡'Privileged' implies a genuine honor or rare opportunity, not just a positive experience.

2. Describes information, documents, or conversations that are kept confidential an

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Describes information, documents, or conversations that are kept confidential and protected by law from being revealed in a legal proceeding or other official setting.

例句

The doctor's notes were marked as privileged and kept in a locked drawer.

collocation: privileged document / privileged information

Tamás refused to answer the question, saying the conversation was privileged by law.

pattern: be privileged by law

同義詞
  • confidential

    Similar meaning of secrecy, but without automatic legal protection from court disclosure

  • protected

    Broader term; can describe any legally shielded material, not only communications

  • off the record

    Informal expression for information not meant for public release, but with no legal force

反義詞
  • public

    Open to anyone; opposite of confidential legal protection

  • disclosable

    Subject to being revealed in court or other official settings

用法筆記

Typically used of information, communications, or discussions that the law protects from forced disclosure — especially in legal, medical, and corporate settings. Not to be confused with 'confidential', which describes secrecy by agreement but does not carry the same legal protection from court orders.

常見錯誤

❌I have privileged information about the surprise party.
✅I have secret information about the surprise party.
💡'Privileged' in this sense is a legal term; for everyday secrets, use 'confidential' or 'secret'.