What does prerogative mean?
A prerogative is a distinctive right, power, or privilege attached to a person, group, institution, or status. In legal and political discussion, it commonly refers to powers granted or recognized by the constitution, a statute, or historical custom. The phrase constitutional prerogative, for example, concerns the authority belonging to a constitutional office or public body. Outside those formal contexts, prerogative can mean a customary advantage or precedence associated with a particular position, such as the traditional right to be addressed first. Unlike the broader word privilege, prerogative suggests an entitlement that others do not possess and whose source may be legal, institutional, or conventional. The term is useful when describing powers and advantages that are firmly established rather than temporary or informal.
A right or privilege belonging exclusively to a person, group, or institution.
"The judge questioned whether the council had acted within its legal prerogative."
Especially common in legal, constitutional, and institutional contexts.
A customary advantage or precedence associated with a position or status.
"Members of the council retain the prerogative of submitting amendments first."
This older or less formal sense is also found in descriptions of traditional practices and precedential rights.
Used when referring to distinct rights, powers, or privileges belonging to different people or institutions.
"The agreement preserves the separate prerogatives of the two historical courts."
A prerogative is not merely an advantage: it is the power that comes from being entitled to do something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of prerogative
The word comes through Old French from Latin praerogativa, a feminine adjective meaning “asked beforehand.” The Latin form derives from praerogativus, formed from prae-, meaning “before,” and rogare, meaning “ask,” and originally referred to a question put to voters before an election. By extension, the word developed the sense of a right or privilege belonging to someone in preference to others.
How prerogative is actually used
The word is most common in formal, legal, political, and institutional contexts. It often implies a right that is recognized by law, custom, or established practice, rather than a merely personal favor.
Easily confused with prerogative
A privilege is generally a special advantage or benefit, whereas a prerogative is more specifically a legally recognized right or power belonging to a particular person or institution.