What does perquisite mean?
A perquisite is a benefit or privilege received in addition to the regular salary or conditions attached to a job, office, or status. Examples might include an official residence, a travel allowance, private medical care, or the use of a company car. The word is especially associated with the traditional privileges of senior officials and with employment benefits, although its broader sense covers any incidental advantage. In contemporary conversation, “perk” is the more familiar alternative, but “perquisite” has a formal, sometimes slightly old-fashioned tone. Its history also reflects the idea of something sought or obtained for oneself: the word ultimately comes from Latin roots meaning “to seek” and “to acquire.”
A benefit, privilege, or payment received in addition to an employee's regular salary, especially as an entitlement of a particular role.
"The position carries a generous pension and several other perquisites."
Formal; “perk” is the usual informal alternative.
To acquire or take something as a perquisite.
"The officer perquisited the fees collected on behalf of the court."
Rare and literary or legal in modern English.
The standard plural of perquisite, especially when referring to employment benefits or the privileges attached to an office.
"The board approved several new perquisites for senior executives."
Perquisite literally means something sought out: it began as the right of an official to profit from the privileges of an office.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of perquisite
The word comes from Latin perquisitum, meaning “something acquired or sought,” originally a past participle of perquirere, “to seek out” or “to acquire.” The prefix per- suggests thorough or comprehensive seeking, while the root quaerere means “to seek.” The same root underlies cognates including acquisition, requisition, and inquisition, as well as the English word require.
Related word forms
How perquisite is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in legal, institutional, and employment contexts. In modern informal usage, “perk” is usually more natural.
Easily confused with perquisite
A prerequisite is something needed beforehand for a task or outcome, whereas a perquisite is a benefit or privilege granted in addition to ordinary compensation or to a particular position.
A requisite is something required or necessary, while a perquisite is something beneficial that accompanies a role or activity.