Privelege vs. Privilege: Which is Correct?

"Privelege" is the incorrect spelling of "privilege."
"Privilege" refers to a set of unearned advantages, benefits, or opportunities that are granted to individuals or groups of people based on certain characteristics they possess, such as their race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other social identifiers.

For example...

❌ Despite being aware of his privelege, Mark actively seeks ways to use his advantages to advocate for social justice and equal opportunities for all.

✅ Despite being aware of his privilege, Mark actively seeks ways to use his advantages to advocate for social justice and equal opportunities for all.

In the context of the given sentence, "privilege" refers to the unearned advantages or benefits that Mark possesses due to certain aspects of his identity, such as his social class, race, gender, or other factors.

Privelege vs. Privilege: Which is Correct?

Privilege is a term that describes the advantages or benefits that certain individuals or groups enjoy in society based on their inherent characteristics, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other social identifiers. These advantages are often unearned and may be deeply ingrained in societal structures and institutions. It's important to understand that privilege doesn't mean that individuals haven't faced challenges or worked hard; rather, it highlights that certain societal systems inherently favor some groups over others.

For example, someone born into a wealthy family may have the privilege of financial security, access to quality education, and opportunities that come with wealth. Similarly, a person belonging to the racial or ethnic majority in a particular society may experience privileges, such as not facing systemic discrimination, that members of minority groups might encounter.

The graph below shows the "privilege" and "privelege." We can see that "privilege" is used on a greater frequency than "privelege." The correct spelling "privilege" has decreased in use since 1840s.

Why would privilege be misspelled as privelege?

The misspelling of "privilege" as "privelege" often occurs due to the phonetic similarities between the two terms. English language intricacies, combined with the common use of "e" in words like "allege" or "allegiance," can contribute to this error. Sometimes, regional accents and informal language use might influence the choice of the misspelled version. However, it's crucial to note that the accurate spelling is "privilege." Utilizing the incorrect spelling may lead to misunderstandings and compromise the clarity of written communication, emphasizing the importance of precision in language use.

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Other common misspellings

Below are other common misspellings of "privilege," other than "privelege."

Priviledge: This misspelling often occurs due to confusion with words like "bridle" or "fiddle," where the combination of "i" and "e" is pronounced as a long "i" sound.
Privledge: Similar to the previous example, this misspelling involves a transposition of the "i" and "l," likely influenced by words like "pledge" or "allegiance."
Privilege: Ironically, some people mistakenly add an extra "e" to the correct spelling, possibly due to a typographical error or a subconscious attempt to emphasize the elongation of the vowel sound.
Privilage: This misspelling involves swapping the positions of "i" and "l" and is likely influenced by words such as "village" or "collage."

Example sentences of the misspelling of privilege as privelege

Below are example sentences highlighting that “privelege” is not the right spelling.

It's important to note that "privelege" is not the correct spelling; the accurate term is "privilege."
Common misspellings, such as "privelege," can lead to confusion in written communication.
When discussing societal advantages, it's crucial to use the correct term, and that is "privilege," not "privelege."
The word "privelege" is often misspelled, but in formal writing, it's essential to adhere to the proper spelling, which is "privilege."
Let's avoid the common mistake of writing "privelege" and maintain accuracy by using the correct spelling, "privilege."

Example sentences of privilege

Despite the challenges she faced, Sarah recognized the privilege of having a supportive family.
Access to quality education is a privilege that not everyone around the world enjoys.
Being able to travel and explore different cultures is a privilege that broadens one's perspective on life.
Mark acknowledged the privilege of having a stable job and financial security in uncertain times.
In many societies, having the privilege of free speech is considered a fundamental right.
The opportunity to pursue higher education is a privilege that should be accessible to all individuals regardless of their background.
Recognizing one's privilege is the first step towards fostering empathy and understanding of others' struggles.
Growing up in a safe and supportive community is a privilege that can positively impact a person's well-being.
Access to healthcare is a privilege that highlights the disparities in health outcomes across different socioeconomic groups.
Privilege extends beyond financial advantages; it encompasses the social and cultural benefits that certain individuals may experience.

Synonyms for privilege

Advantage
Benefit
Entitlement
Perk
Exemption
Right
Immunity
Luxury
Special treatment
Favor

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