Titled vs. Entitled — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Titled refers to having a title, especially of nobility; Entitled means having a right to something.
Difference Between Titled and Entitled
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Titled refers to the act of having a specific title, such as "Lord" or "Doctor". This can be related to either a position of nobility or a professional or academic achievement. Conversely, Entitled implies that someone believes they have a specific right to certain privileges or treatments. It can also indicate that someone has the right to receive a certain benefit.
Titled is often used in contexts where a designation or an official label is conferred upon an individual. For example, a book may be titled "War and Peace", or a woman might be titled "Duchess of Cambridge". On the other hand, Entitled can be used to express a certain claim or right, such as being entitled to a share of an inheritance or feeling entitled to special treatment due to one's status or achievements.
When someone is referred to as "titled", it typically means they possess a certain rank or title. This recognition can be due to inheritance, marriage, or personal achievements. In contrast, when someone is described as "entitled", it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting that they expect certain privileges without necessarily deserving them. However, "entitled" can also simply mean having a rightful claim to something.
In literature or media, a work might be titled with a certain name, representing its theme or content. Whereas, a person might be entitled to royalties from that work, meaning they have a right to receive a portion of the profits from its sales.
While both titled and entitled can pertain to rights and designations, titled is more about the official or recognized labels, and entitled is about having a justified claim or sometimes an undue expectation.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Having a specific title or designation
Having a right or claim to something
Usage in Literature
The name of a book, film, or artwork
The right to earnings or benefits
Connotations
Official, recognized, esteemed
Rightful claim, sometimes undue expectation
Contextual Example
A titled aristocrat
Feeling entitled to special treatment
Relation to Rights
Recognized designation
Justified or assumed claim
Compare with Definitions
Titled
Holding a rank or title, especially in nobility.
She is a titled countess in her homeland.
Entitled
Having rights or claims as specified.
As a citizen, you're entitled to vote.
Titled
Marked with a heading or title.
The chapter is titled The Great Escape.
Entitled
Believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.
He felt entitled to the front seat just because he's older.
Titled
Designated with a specific name or title.
The book is titled Mysteries of the Universe.
Entitled
Having a specified title or name.
The episode is entitled Lost Memories.
Titled
Given a specific name or label to represent content or theme.
The painting is titled Sunset Horizon.
Entitled
Given a rightful claim due to circumstances or actions.
Workers are entitled to a safe working environment.
Titled
Recognized or distinguished in a specific field.
He is a titled chess champion.
Entitled
Having a right or claim to something.
She is entitled to half of the inheritance.
Titled
Having a title, especially a noble title.
Entitled
Believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment
His pompous, entitled attitude
Kids who feel so entitled and think the world will revolve around them
Titled
Bearing a title.
Entitled
To give a name or title to.
Titled
Specifically, having a title of nobility; belonging to the peerage.
A titled family
Entitled
To furnish with a right or claim to something
The coupon entitles you to a $5 discount. Everyone is entitled to the equal protection of the laws.
Titled
Simple past tense and past participle of title
Entitled
Simple past tense and past participle of entitle
Titled
Having or bearing a title.
Entitled
(literally) Having a title.
Her book is entitled 'My Autobiography'.
Titled
Having or given a name or title;
Many paintings are titled simply `Untitled'
Entitled
Having a legal or moral right or claim to something.
As a natural-born citizen I am entitled to run for president.
If you were injured at work you may be entitled to compensation.
He feels entitled to other people's respect.
Titled
Belonging to the peerage;
The princess and her coroneted companions
The titled classes
Entitled
(figuratively) Convinced of one's own righteousness (self-righteousness) or the justifiability of one's actions or status, especially wrongly so; demanding and pretentious.
Entitled
Qualified for by right according to law;
We are all entitled to equal protection under the law
Entitled
Given a title or identifying name;
The book entitled `A Tale of Two Cities'
Common Curiosities
What does "titled" mainly refer to?
It primarily refers to having a specific title or designation.
Is "titled" only used for nobility?
No, it can be used for any recognized title, including professional or academic ones.
What does it mean when someone feels "entitled"?
It means they believe they deserve certain privileges or rights, sometimes without justification.
Can "entitled" and "titled" be used interchangeably in terms of naming something?
Sometimes, especially in the context of naming a book or episode, but they have distinct primary meanings.
Can a movie be "titled"?
Yes, a movie can be titled, meaning it has a specific name.
How is "entitled" used to describe a person's attitude?
"He acted entitled, expecting special treatment everywhere he went."
Does "entitled" always have a negative connotation?
No, it can simply mean having a rightful claim, but it can also imply undue expectation.
Can a person be both titled and entitled?
Yes, a person can hold a title (titled) and have a right or claim to something (entitled).
Can an article be "entitled"?
Yes, in the sense that it has a specific title or name.
Is "entitled" always about rights or claims?
Mostly, but it can also refer to the act of naming something.
Can "titled" refer to an official recognition?
Yes, such as when someone is recognized for their achievements in a specific field.
What's a synonym for "titled" in the context of nobility?
"Noble" or "aristocratic" can be synonyms.
Can "entitled" mean you have legal rights to something?
Yes, like being entitled to an inheritance.
How does one use "titled" in a sentence regarding a book?
"The book is titled 'Adventures Abroad'."
Can you provide a positive example of "entitled"?
"After years of service, she's entitled to a substantial pension."
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Written 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.