Privilege vs. Right — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
A privilege is a special advantage granted to certain individuals or groups, often conditional and revocable, while a right is an inherent, inalienable entitlement held by all individuals.
Difference Between Privilege and Right
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Privileges are special advantages or benefits that are granted to certain individuals or groups, often based on specific criteria such as status, position, or achievement. These advantages are not universal and can be conditional, subject to certain terms or conditions, and can be revoked if those conditions are not met. For example, driving is considered a privilege that can be taken away for reasons such as violations of traffic laws. In contrast, rights are inherent, fundamental entitlements that every individual possesses simply by virtue of being human.
Privileges can often be seen as perks or extras that enhance an individual's or group's experience or status, but they are not necessary for basic human dignity or equality. Rights, however, are essential for the protection and maintenance of a just and equitable society, ensuring that individuals' basic freedoms and protections are upheld regardless of their status or achievements.
The distinction between privileges and rights also plays a significant role in societal and legal contexts, influencing laws, policies, and social norms. Privileges may be subject to change and can vary widely between different societies and communities, reflecting the values and priorities of those groups. Rights, especially those recognized as human rights, are more universal in scope and are often enshrined in international law and the constitutions of democratic nations.
In discussions about social justice and equity, the distinction between privileges and rights becomes particularly important. Recognizing the difference helps in identifying and addressing inequalities, advocating for the expansion and protection of rights for all individuals, and understanding the dynamics of power and privilege in society.
While both privileges and rights contribute to the fabric of society, their implications for individuals and groups are markedly different. Understanding this distinction is crucial for navigating legal, social, and ethical landscapes, promoting fairness, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Conditional and revocable
Inherent and inalienable
Basis
Granted based on certain criteria
Universal, based on being human
Legal Protection
May vary and can be revoked
Often protected by law and seen as fundamental
Examples
Driving license, access to exclusive clubs
Freedom of speech, right to privacy
Role in Society
Reflects status or achievements
Essential for equality and justice
Compare with Definitions
Privilege
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
Diplomatic immunity is a privilege granted to diplomats by the countries where they serve.
Right
A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
Every individual has the right to freedom of expression.
Privilege
A special benefit or favor, especially one that is given selectively.
Having access to higher education can be seen as a privilege in many parts of the world.
Right
Something that one may justly claim as due.
Victims of crimes have rights that the legal system should protect.
Privilege
An advantage that is unearned, exclusive, and socially conferred.
Elite club memberships are privileges that often signify social status.
Right
A principle or condition that is morally correct, fair, and just.
Access to clean water is increasingly recognized as a basic human right.
Privilege
A condition of being favored or enjoying favoritism.
Employee discounts are a privilege offered by many companies to their staff.
Right
An inherent, inalienable entitlement held by all individuals or groups.
The right to privacy is fundamental in democratic societies.
Privilege
A right or immunity enjoyed by a particular person beyond the advantages of most.
The privilege of early boarding is offered to first-class passengers.
Right
A legally or morally guaranteed entitlement to take certain actions or to be treated in a certain way.
Workers have the right to a safe working environment.
Privilege
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
Education is a right, not a privilege
He has been accustomed all his life to wealth and privilege
Right
Conforming with or conformable to justice, law, or morality
Do the right thing and confess.
Privilege
Grant a privilege or privileges to
English inheritance law privileged the eldest son
Right
In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct
The right answer.
Privilege
A special advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste.
Right
Fitting, proper, or appropriate
It is not right to leave the party without saying goodbye.
Privilege
Such an advantage, immunity, or right held as a prerogative of status or rank, and exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others.
Right
Most favorable, desirable, or convenient
The right time to act.
Privilege
The principle of granting and maintaining a special right or immunity
A society based on privilege.
Right
In or into a satisfactory state or condition
Put things right.
Privilege
Protection from being forced to disclose confidential communications in certain relationships, as between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and confessor.
Right
In good mental or physical health or order.
Privilege
Protection from being sued for libel or slander for making otherwise actionable statements in a context or forum where open and candid expression is deemed desirable for reasons of public policy.
Right
Intended to be worn or positioned facing outward or toward an observer
The right side of the dress.
Made sure that the right side of the fabric was visible.
Privilege
An option to buy or sell a stock, including put, call, spread, and straddle.
Right
Of, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the south when the subject is facing east.
Privilege
To grant a privilege to.
Right
Of, relating to, directed toward, or located on the right side.
Privilege
To free or exempt.
Right
Located on the right side of a person facing downstream
The right bank of a river.
Privilege
To assign greater importance or priority to
“A Harvard Law grad who taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, he is steeped in a tradition that privileges the Bill of Rights over the crude or arbitrary exercise of power” (Evan Thomas).
Right
Often Right Of or belonging to the political or intellectual right.
Privilege
An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
Right
Formed by or in reference to a line or plane that is perpendicular to another line or plane.
Privilege
(countable) A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base
Right cone.
Privilege
An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).
Right
Having a right angle
A right triangle.
Privilege
(uncountable) The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society.
Right
Straight; uncurved; direct
A right line.
Privilege
A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members.
Right
(Archaic) Not spurious; genuine.
Privilege
A stock market option.
Right
That which is just, moral, or proper.
Privilege
(legal) A common law doctrine that protects certain communications from being used as evidence in court.
Your honor, my client is not required to answer that; her response is protected by attorney-client privilege.
Right
The direction or position on the right side.
Privilege
(computing) An ability to perform an action on the system that can be selectively granted or denied to users.
Right
The right side.
Privilege
(archaic) To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize
To privilege representatives from arrest
Right
The right hand.
Privilege
(archaic) To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
Right
A turn in the direction of the right hand or side.
Privilege
A peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity not enjoyed by others or by all; special enjoyment of a good, or exemption from an evil or burden; a prerogative; advantage; franchise.
He pleads the legal privilege of a Roman.
The privilege birthright was a double portion.
A people inheriting privileges, franchises, and liberties.
Right
The people and groups who advocate the adoption of conservative or reactionary measures, especially in government and politics. Also called right wing.
Privilege
See Call, Put, Spread, etc.
Right
The opinion of those advocating such measures.
Privilege
To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize; as, to privilege representatives from arrest.
To privilege dishonor in thy name.
Right
(Sports) A blow delivered by a boxer's right hand.
Privilege
To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
He took this place for sanctuary, And it shall privilege him from your hands.
Right
(Baseball) Right field.
Privilege
A special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
Right
A just or legal claim or title.
Privilege
A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right);
Suffrage was the prerogative of white adult males
Right
Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or nature.
Privilege
(law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship
Right
Something, especially humane treatment, claimed to be due to animals by moral principle.
Privilege
Bestow a privilege upon
Right
An existing stockholder's legally protected claim to purchase additional shares in a corporation ahead of those who are not currently stockholders, especially at a cost lower than market value.
Right
The negotiable paper on which such an entitlement is indicated.
Right
Toward or on the right.
Right
In a straight line; directly
Went right to school.
Right
In the proper or desired manner; well
The jacket doesn't fit right.
Right
Exactly; just
The accident happened right over there.
Right
Immediately
Called me right after dinner.
Right
Completely; quite
The icy wind blew right through me.
Right
According to law, morality, or justice.
Right
Accurately; correctly
Answered the question right.
Right
Chiefly Southern US Considerably; very
They have a right nice place.
Right
Used as an intensive
Kept right on going.
Right
Used in titles
The Right Reverend Jane Smith.
Right
To put in or restore to an upright or proper position
They righted their boat.
Right
To put in order or set right; correct
Measures designed to right generations of unfair labor practices.
Right
To make reparation or amends for; redress
Right a wrong.
Right
To regain an upright or proper position.
Right
(archaic) Straight, not bent.
A right line
Right
(geometry) Of an angle, having a size of 90 degrees, or one quarter of a complete rotation; the angle between two perpendicular lines.
The kitchen counter formed a right angle with the back wall.
Right
(geometry) Of a geometric figure, incorporating a right angle between edges, faces, axes, etc.
A right triangle, a right prism, a right cone
Right
Complying with justice, correctness or reason; correct, just, true.
I thought you'd made a mistake, but it seems you were right all along.
It's not right that one person gets all the credit for the group's work.
Right
Appropriate, perfectly suitable; fit for purpose.
Is this the right software for my computer?
Right
Healthy, sane, competent.
I'm afraid my father is no longer in his right mind.
Right
Real; veritable (used emphatically).
You've made a right mess of the kitchen!
Right
(Australia) All right; not requiring assistance.
Right
(dated) Most favourable or convenient; fortunate.
Right
Designating the side of the body which is positioned to the east if one is facing north. This arrow points to the reader's right: →
After the accident, her right leg was slightly shorter than her left.
Right
(geography) Designating the bank of a river (etc.) on one's right when facing downstream (i.e. facing forward while floating with the current); that is, the south bank of a river that flows eastward. If this arrow: ⥴ shows the direction of the current, the tilde is on the right side of the river.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward.
The right side of a piece of cloth
Right
(politics) Pertaining to the political right; conservative.
Right
On the right side.
Right
Towards the right side.
Right
Exactly, precisely.
The arrow landed right in the middle of the target.
Luckily we arrived right at the start of the film.
Right
Immediately, directly.
Can't you see it? It's right beside you!
Tom was standing right in front of the TV, blocking everyone's view.
Right
Very, extremely, quite.
I made a right stupid mistake there, didn't I?
I stubbed my toe a week ago and it still hurts right much.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really.
Right
In a correct manner.
Do it right or don't do it at all.
Right
To a great extent or degree.
Sir, I am right glad to meet you …
Members of the Queen's Privy Council are styled The Right Honourable for life.
The Right Reverend Monsignor Guido Sarducci.
Right
Yes, that is correct; I agree.
Right
I agree with whatever you say; I have no opinion.
Right
Signpost word to change the subject in a discussion or discourse.
- After that interview, I don't think we should hire her.
- Right — who wants lunch?
- Right — who wants lunch?
Right
Used to check agreement at the end of an utterance.
You're going, right?
Right
Used to add seriousness or decisiveness before a statement.
Right
That which complies with justice, law or reason.
We're on the side of right in this contest.
Right
A legal, just or moral entitlement.
You have no right to go through my personal diary.
Right
The right side or direction.
The pharmacy is just on the right past the bookshop.
Right
The right hand or fist.
Right
The authority to perform, publish, film, or televise a particular work, event, etc.; a copyright.
Right
(politics) The ensemble of right-wing political parties; political conservatives as a group.
The political right holds too much power.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a coin, piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
Right
(surfing) A wave breaking from right to left (viewed from the shore).
Right
(transitive) To correct.
Righting all the wrongs of the war immediately will be impossible.
Right
(transitive) To set upright.
The tow-truck righted what was left of the automobile.
Right
(intransitive) To return to normal upright position.
When the wind died down, the ship righted.
Right
(transitive) To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of.
To right the oppressed
Right
Straight; direct; not crooked; as, a right line.
Right
Upright; erect from a base; having an upright axis; not oblique; as, right ascension; a right pyramid or cone.
Right
Fit; suitable; proper; correct; becoming; as, the right man in the right place; the right way from London to Oxford.
Right
Conformed to the constitution of man and the will of God, or to justice and equity; not deviating from the true and just; according with truth and duty; just; true.
That which is conformable to the Supreme Rule is absolutely right, and is called right simply without relation to a special end.
Right
Characterized by reality or genuineness; real; actual; not spurious.
In this battle, . . . the Britons never more plainly manifested themselves to be right barbarians.
Right
According with truth; passing a true judgment; conforming to fact or intent; not mistaken or wrong; not erroneous; correct; as, this is the right faith.
You are right, Justice, and you weigh this well.
If there be no prospect beyond the grave, the inference is . . . right, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."
Right
Most favorable or convenient; fortunate.
The lady has been disappointed on the right side.
Right
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action is usually stronger than on the other side; - opposed to left when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the right side, hand, arm. Also applied to the corresponding side of the lower animals.
Became the sovereign's favorite, his right hand.
Right
Well placed, disposed, or adjusted; orderly; well regulated; correctly done.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward; as, the right side of a piece of cloth.
"Right," cries his lordship.
Right
In a right manner.
Right
In a right or straight line; directly; hence; straightway; immediately; next; as, he stood right before me; it went right to the mark; he came right out; he followed right after the guide.
Unto Dian's temple goeth she right.
Let thine eyes look right on.
Right across its track there lay,Down in the water, a long reef of gold.
Right
Exactly; just.
Came he right now to sing a raven's note?
Right
According to the law or will of God; conforming to the standard of truth and justice; righteously; as, to live right; to judge right.
Right
According to any rule of art; correctly.
You with strict discipline instructed right.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really; correctly; exactly; as, to tell a story right.
Right as it were a steed of Lumbardye.
His wounds so smarted that he slept right naught.
Right
In a great degree; very; wholly; unqualifiedly; extremely; highly; as, right humble; right noble; right valiant.
For which I should be right sorry.
[I] return those duties back as are right fit.
Right
That which is right or correct.
Seldom your opinions err;Your eyes are always in the right.
Right
A just judgment or action; that which is true or proper; justice; uprightness; integrity.
Long love to her has borne the faithful knight,And well deserved, had fortune done him right.
Right
That to which one has a just claim.
There are no rights whatever, without corresponding duties.
Right
That which one has a legal or social claim to do or to exact; legal power; authority; as, a sheriff has a right to arrest a criminal.
Born free, he sought his right.
Hast thou not right to all created things?
Men have no right to what is not reasonable.
Right
The right side; the side opposite to the left.
Led her to the Souldan's right.
Right
Privilege or immunity granted by authority.
Right
In some legislative bodies of Europe (as in France), those members collectively who are conservatives or monarchists. See Center, 5.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
He should himself use it by right.
I should have been a woman by right.
Right
To bring or restore to the proper or natural position; to set upright; to make right or straight (that which has been wrong or crooked); to correct.
Right
To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of; as, to right the oppressed; to right one's self; also, to vindicate.
So just is God, to right the innocent.
All experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
Right
To recover the proper or natural condition or position; to become upright.
Right
Hence, to regain an upright position, as a ship or boat, after careening.
Right
An abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature;
They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights
Certain rights can never be granted to the government but must be kept in the hands of the people
A right is not something that somebody gives you; it is something that nobody can take away
Right
(frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing;
Mineral rights
Film rights
Right
Location near or direction toward the right side; i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east;
He stood on the right
Right
A turn to the right;
Take a right at the corner
Right
Those who support political or social or economic conservatism; those who believe that things are better left unchanged
Right
Anything in accord with principles of justice;
He feels he is in the right
The rightfulness of his claim
Right
The hand that is on the right side of the body;
He writes with his right hand but pitches with his left
Hit him with quick rights to the body
Right
The piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's right
Right
Make reparations or amends for;
Right a wrongs done to the victims of the Holocaust
Right
Put in or restore to an upright position;
They righted the sailboat that had capsized
Right
Regain an upright or proper position;
The capsized boat righted again
Right
Make right or correct;
Correct the mistakes
Rectify the calculation
Right
Free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth;
The correct answer
The correct version
The right answer
Took the right road
The right decision
Right
Being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north;
My right hand
Right center field
A right-hand turn
The right bank of a river is the bank on your right side when you are facing downstream
Right
Socially right or correct;
It isn't right to leave the party without saying goodbye
Correct behavior
Right
In conformance with justice or law or morality;
Do the right thing and confess
Right
Correct in opinion or judgment;
Time proved him right
Right
Appropriate for a condition or occasion;
Everything in its proper place
The right man for the job
She is not suitable for the position
Right
Of or belonging to the political or intellectual left
Right
In or into a satisfactory condition;
Things are right again now
Put things right
Right
Intended for the right hand;
A right-hand glove
Right
In accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure;
What's the right word for this?
The right way to open oysters
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base;
A right angle
Right
Of the side of cloth or clothing intended to face outward;
The right side of the cloth showed the pattern
Be sure your shirt is right side out
Right
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Right
Precisely, exactly;
Stand right here!
Right
Immediately;
She called right after dinner
Right
Exactly;
He fell flop on his face
Right
Toward or on the right; also used figuratively;
He looked right and left
The party has moved right
Right
In the right manner;
Please do your job properly!
Can't you carry me decent?
Right
An interjection expressing agreement
Right
Completely;
She felt right at home
He fell right into the trap
Right
(Southern regional intensive) very;
The baby is mighty cute
He's mighty tired
It is powerful humid
That boy is powerful big now
They have a right nice place
Right
In accordance with moral or social standards;
That serves him right
Do right by him
Right
In a correct manner;
He guessed right
Common Curiosities
Is a driver's license a privilege or a right?
A driver's license is considered a privilege because it is granted under specific conditions and can be revoked.
Why is it important to distinguish between rights and privileges in society?
Distinguishing between the two helps in understanding and addressing issues of inequality and ensuring that fundamental human rights are recognized and protected for all.
How do governments protect rights?
Governments protect rights through constitutions, laws, and the judiciary, ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld and protected against infringements.
Can privileges ever become rights?
In some cases, what begins as a privilege can become recognized as a right through legal changes or societal shifts, especially if it is deemed essential for justice or equality.
Can privileges be earned?
Yes, some privileges can be earned through achievements, status, or fulfilling certain criteria, unlike rights, which are inherent.
Can a privilege be taken away?
Yes, privileges can be revoked or rescinded if the conditions under which they were granted are not met or if the granting authority decides to withdraw them.
What is an example of a privilege that is often mistaken for a right?
Access to the internet is often considered a right, but in many contexts, it is still treated as a privilege that can be restricted or denied.
How does the concept of privilege relate to social and economic status?
Privileges often correlate with social and economic status, with certain privileges being more accessible to individuals or groups with higher status or wealth.
Are rights absolute and unlimited?
While rights are fundamental, they are not absolute and can be subject to limitations to protect the rights of others or the common good, as seen in laws that limit free speech to prevent harm.
Can the law transform a privilege into a right?
Yes, through legislative action, what was once a privilege can be enshrined into law as a right, reflecting societal values and priorities.
How do international laws treat rights and privileges?
International laws, particularly human rights laws, focus on protecting and promoting fundamental rights, with less emphasis on privileges.
How do rights and privileges intersect in social justice issues?
Social justice issues often revolve around challenging unearned privileges and advocating for the recognition and protection of rights for marginalized groups.
Are human rights considered privileges in any context?
Human rights are considered inherent and inalienable, and not privileges; however, the actual enjoyment of these rights can be influenced by one's access to privilege.
Is freedom of speech a right or a privilege?
Freedom of speech is considered a fundamental right in many societies, protected by law and international human rights treaties.
How does culture influence the perception of rights and privileges?
Cultural norms and values can influence what is considered a right or a privilege, with variations seen in how different societies prioritize and protect them.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
