Defining the Word Entitlement | Generated by AI
Question: What does the word “entitlement” mean?
Answer:
“Entitlement” has several common meanings depending on context:
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The belief that one deserves privileges or special treatment
(noun) A feeling or attitude that one inherently deserves advantages, benefits, or recognition without necessarily earning them.
Example: “His sense of entitlement made him demand the best seat without waiting in line.” - A legal or moral right to something
(noun) An official right granted by law, contract, or policy to receive a benefit, payment, or service.
Examples:- Government entitlement programs (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, welfare benefits)
- “Employees have an entitlement to paid vacation after one year of service.”
- The fact of having a right to something
(noun) The state or condition of being entitled to something.
Example: “Her entitlement to the inheritance was confirmed by the will.”
The word is often used negatively today to describe an attitude of expecting rewards or respect without effort, but its original and neutral meaning simply refers to having a legitimate right or claim to something.
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