Entitled Meaning and Definition

Entitled

Entitled

Pronunciation

/ənˈtaɪld/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who demands special treatment, privileges, or advantages without justification or earned merits, often exhibiting a sense of superiority or entitlement to these advantages.

Examples

  • The heir felt entitled to the family business, despite having no experience in management.
  • She believed she was entitled to a promotion simply because she had been with the company for a few years.

Synonyms

  • Arrogant
  • Conceited
  • Pompous

Antonyms

  • , Modest
  • Humble
  • Selfless

Etymology

The word “entitled” originated from the 15th-century Middle English word “entitlen,” meaning “to make worthy or deserving.” Over time, its connotation shifted to refer to a person who possesses an excessive sense of self-importance or superiority.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using “entitled” in everyday conversation, as it can be perceived as insulting or accusatory. Instead, consider using phrases like “prone to entitlement” or “feeling entitled” to maintain a respectful tone.

Cultural References

The concept of entitlement has been explored in various forms of media, such as sitcoms, films, and social media.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Complaining entitlement” refers to a person consistently expecting special treatment or being overly sensitive to perceived injustices.

Related Words or Phrases

Words closely related to “entitled” include “arrogant,” “spoiled,” and “self-absorbed.”

Collocations

Common collocations with “entitled” include phrases like “feeling entitled,” “acting entitled,” or “being entitled to.”

Frequency of Use

The word “entitled” has become increasingly popular in modern language, particularly in the context of social media and online discourse.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “entitled” include “entiltled,” “entiled,” “entiled,” and “entilited.”

Related Words