Benefit vs. Privilege — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Benefit refers to an advantage or profit gained from something, while privilege denotes a special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group.
Difference Between Benefit and Privilege
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A benefit is generally a positive outcome or advantage that individuals receive, often from a service or agreement, which can improve their situation. Whereas, a privilege is a special right or exemption granted to individuals, often based on status or identity, distinguishing them from others.
Benefits are usually earned through contributions or eligibility based on specific criteria, such as employment benefits derived from a job position. On the other hand, privileges often arise from circumstances of birth, societal positions, or inherent advantages that are not necessarily earned.
Benefits can be universal or widely accessible, such as public health benefits that aim to support the well-being of a broad population. In contrast, privileges are typically exclusive and benefit a select group, often perpetuating a separation between different societal groups.
The concept of a benefit is often tied to notions of fairness and necessity, aiming to provide support where it is needed. Whereas, privilege can carry implications of inequality, as it provides advantages that are not available to everyone.
Benefits often require some form of action or participation to be received, like subscribing to a service or fulfilling job responsibilities. In contrast, privileges may exist without any action on the part of the recipient, simply as a result of one's social position or other factors.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An advantage gained from a situation
A special right, available to some
Basis of Access
Earned or provided based on criteria
Granted based on status or identity
Scope of Availability
Often universal or broad
Usually exclusive
Implication
Aimed at fairness and support
Often associated with inequality
Requirement
May require participation or action
May not require any action
Compare with Definitions
Benefit
Improvements resulting from educational opportunities.
One of the key benefits of higher education is increased employment opportunities.
Privilege
A right or advantage given only to a specific group.
Diplomatic immunity is a privilege granted to diplomats.
Benefit
A government aid provided to specific groups.
Unemployment benefits are crucial during economic downturns.
Privilege
An inherent advantage due to cultural norms.
Linguistic privilege benefits native speakers in global business.
Benefit
A positive outcome of a medical procedure.
The benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks involved.
Privilege
Special access not available to the general public.
VIP passes allow the privilege of backstage access.
Benefit
Financial or material aid from employment.
Employee benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.
Privilege
An opportunity afforded by one's social position.
Growing up in a wealthy family brought many social privileges.
Benefit
An advantage received from a situation.
The main benefit of the subscription is free shipping.
Privilege
Legal exemptions in certain situations.
Attorney-client privilege protects communication between lawyer and client.
Benefit
An advantage or profit gained from something
Enjoy the benefits of being a member
The changes are of benefit to commerce
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
Benefit
A payment made by the state or an insurance scheme to someone entitled to receive it
Part-time jobs supplemented by means-tested benefits
Families on benefit
Privilege
Grant a privilege or privileges to
English inheritance law privileged the eldest son
Benefit
An event such as a concert or game that is intended to raise money for a particular player or charity
A benefit gig
The social season was highlighted by debutante balls and charity benefits
Privilege
A special advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste.
Benefit
Receive an advantage; profit
The areas would benefit from regeneration
Privilege
Such an advantage, immunity, or right held as a prerogative of status or rank, and exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others.
Benefit
Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage
The nurse explained the benefits of regular exercise.
Privilege
The principle of granting and maintaining a special right or immunity
A society based on privilege.
Benefit
Help; aid
The field trip was of great benefit to the students.
Privilege
Protection from being forced to disclose confidential communications in certain relationships, as between attorney and client, physician and patient, or priest and confessor.
Benefit
A payment made by a government agency or insurance company to qualifying persons in time of need
An increase in welfare benefits.
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.
Benefit
A form of compensation, such as paid vacation time, subsidized health insurance, or a pension, provided to employees in addition to wages or salary as part of an employment arrangement. Also called fringe benefit.
Privilege
An option to buy or sell a stock, including put, call, spread, and straddle.
Benefit
A public entertainment, performance, or social event held to raise funds for a person or cause.
Privilege
To grant a privilege to.
Benefit
(Archaic) A kindly deed.
Privilege
To free or exempt.
Benefit
To be helpful or useful to.
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).
Benefit
To derive benefit
You will benefit from her good example.
Privilege
An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
Benefit
An advantage; help or aid from something.
She can't read, so the voice recording was made for her benefit.
Exposure to cutting-edge technologies is one of the benefits of the job.
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?
Benefit
(insurance) A payment made in accordance with an insurance policy or a public assistance scheme.
Privilege
An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).
Benefit
An event, such as a theatrical performance, given to raise funds for some cause.
Privilege
(uncountable) The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society.
Benefit
(obsolete) beneficence; liberality
Privilege
A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members.
Benefit
Intended audience (as for the benefit of).
The whole scene was staged for his benefit, and it completely fooled him.
Since my wife is Canadian, whenever we have dinner with my family, they keep bringing up anything they've heard about Canada lately for her benefit.
Privilege
A stock market option.
Benefit
(transitive) To be or to provide a benefit to.
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.
Benefit
(intransitive) To receive a benefit (from); to be a beneficiary.
Privilege
(computing) An ability to perform an action on the system that can be selectively granted or denied to users.
Benefit
An act of kindness; a favor conferred.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
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
Benefit
Whatever promotes prosperity and personal happiness, or adds value to property; advantage; profit.
Men have no right to what is not for their benefit.
Privilege
(archaic) To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
Benefit
A theatrical performance, a concert, or the like, the proceeds of which do not go to the lessee of the theater or to the company, but to some individual actor, or to some charitable use.
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.
Benefit
Beneficence; liberality.
Privilege
See Call, Put, Spread, etc.
Benefit
Natural advantages; endowments; accomplishments.
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.
Benefit
To be beneficial to; to do good to; to advantage; to advance in health or prosperity; to be useful to; to profit.
I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
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.
Benefit
To gain advantage; to make improvement; to profit; as, he will benefit by the change.
Privilege
A special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
Benefit
Financial assistance in time of need
Privilege
(law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship
Benefit
Something that aids or promotes well-being;
For the common good
Privilege
Bestow a privilege upon
Benefit
A performance to raise money for a charitable cause
Benefit
Derive a benefit from;
She profited from his vast experience
Benefit
Be beneficial for;
This will do you good
Common Curiosities
Can benefits be temporary?
Yes, some benefits, like seasonal employee discounts or temporary government aid, are designed to be temporary.
What are examples of benefits in the workplace?
Common workplace benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
What role does privilege play in education?
Privilege can influence education by providing some students with more resources, better facilities, or more networking opportunities based on their socio-economic background.
Is privilege always related to wealth?
No, privilege can also relate to factors like race, gender, or nationality, not just economic status.
How do benefits impact society?
Benefits can increase quality of life and promote social equality by providing support where it is most needed.
Can someone refuse a privilege?
Yes, an individual can choose not to exercise a privilege, though they may still possess it by default.
Why are benefits important in health insurance?
Benefits in health insurance help make healthcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring people receive necessary medical care without undue financial burden.
What is the difference between a right and a privilege?
A right is an entitlement that all individuals have, often protected by law, whereas a privilege is a special advantage available only to certain people.
How can privilege be addressed in a workplace?
Addressing privilege in a workplace can involve implementing equitable hiring practices, promoting diversity training, and ensuring equal opportunities for advancement.
Can benefits change over time?
Yes, benefits can change based on economic conditions, changes in policy, or organizational decisions.
What is meant by 'systemic privilege'?
Systemic privilege refers to advantages that are embedded within the structures of society, often benefiting certain groups over others.
What is an example of an invisible privilege?
An example of an invisible privilege could be the assumption of competence or honesty based on one’s ethnic background or gender.
How are benefits typically funded?
Benefits are often funded by organizations, governments, or through specific insurance policies.
What are the ethical considerations surrounding privileges?
Ethically, it’s important to consider how privileges can contribute to disparities and injustices in society and to work towards a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
How does cultural privilege manifest itself?
Cultural privilege manifests in scenarios where certain cultural norms and languages are prioritized or deemed superior, often sidelining others.
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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.
