How to pronounce privilege
Say it like PRIV-luj. Privilege has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce privilege. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRIV
- luj
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Privilege pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- lujKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of privilege
American and British speakers say privilege in essentially the same way: /ˈprɪvlədʒ/ in the US and /ˈprɪvlɪdʒ/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRIV-lij.
What does privilege mean?
- a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
- a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)“suffrage was the prerogative of white adult males”
- (law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship
- bestow a privilege upon
Where does privilege come from?
From Middle English privilege, from Anglo-Norman privilege and Old French privilege, from Latin prīvilēgium (“ordinance or law against or in favor of an individual”), from prīvus (“private”) + lēx, lēg- (“law”).
Questions about saying privilege
How do you pronounce privilege?
Say PRIV-luj. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɪvlədʒ/. In British English it is /ˈprɪvlɪdʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in privilege?
Privilege has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIV). Broken into parts: PRIV · luj.
Do Americans and Brits say privilege the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɪvlədʒ/ and the British form is /ˈprɪvlɪdʒ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.