entitle
B2Formal, semi-formal; common in legal, administrative, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To give someone the legal or moral right to have or do something.
To give a title (name) to a book, film, piece of legislation, etc.; also, to confer a title of nobility or rank.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its main 'right' sense, it is almost always used passively ('be entitled to') and followed by 'to'. The 'naming' sense is active and takes a direct object. The sense 'to confer a title of nobility' is rare and historical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in phrasing; UK English may use 'entitle to do something' slightly more freely. The 'naming' sense is equally common in both.
Connotations
The primary 'right' sense carries a strong connotation of legal or contractual justification in both varieties.
Frequency
The primary 'right' sense is significantly more frequent than the 'naming' sense in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SBJ] entitle [OBJ] to [NP] (e.g., This ticket entitles you to a free drink)[SBJ] be entitled to [NP/INF] (e.g., You are entitled to an explanation)[SBJ] entitle [OBJ] [NP] (e.g., He entitled his memoir 'Long Walk')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A ticket to ride (informal parallel for 'entitles you to travel')”
- “Have a claim to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to employee benefits, shareholder rights, or compensation clauses.
Academic
Discussing legal rights, philosophical concepts of desert, or bibliographic details.
Everyday
Discussing eligibility for discounts, benefits, or services.
Technical
Legal language defining rights and privileges; library cataloguing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Your passport entitles you to consular assistance abroad.
- She entitled her thesis 'New Perspectives on Urbanism'.
- The voucher entitles the bearer to a 10% discount.
American English
- The contract entitles him to a percentage of the profits.
- He entitled the painting 'Chaos and Order'.
- Full-time status entitles you to the health plan.
adverb
British English
- N/A for standard usage. 'Entitlingly' is non-standard and virtually unused.
American English
- N/A for standard usage. 'Entitlingly' is non-standard and virtually unused.
adjective
British English
- The entitled attitude of some customers is frustrating.
- He spoke with an entitled arrogance.
American English
- She acted so entitled, expecting special treatment.
- The entitled behaviour of the celebrity was widely criticized.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This ticket entitles you to one free ice cream.
- The book is entitled 'My Life with Animals'.
- If you work here for a year, you are entitled to paid holiday.
- What did she entitle her new story?
- Citizens are entitled to know how public money is being spent.
- The legislation, entitled the 'Fair Housing Act', was passed in 1968.
- The precedent entitles future claimants to seek similar damages.
- His sense of grievance left him feeling perpetually entitled to recompense.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TITLE: a book title gives it a name (entitle = to name), and a noble title gives you rights (entitle = to give rights).
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGHTS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE GIVEN / A NAME IS A LABEL ATTACHED TO A THING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'дать название' for the naming sense – while correct, the 'right' sense is primary. Beware of false friend 'интересный' (interesting) from the unrelated adjective 'entitled' meaning self-important.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'entitle to' without 'be' (e.g., Incorrect: 'This entitles to a refund' – missing 'you'). Confusing the adjective 'entitled' (self-important) with the verb's past participle.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'entitle' used in its 'naming' sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its primary 'right' sense, it is used almost exclusively in the passive voice: 'be entitled to'. The 'naming' sense is used actively.
Yes, in the passive construction: 'You are entitled to ask questions' or 'She was entitled to receive compensation'.
'Entitle' implies a legal or moral right. 'Enable' means to make possible. 'Allow' means to give permission. An employee is *entitled* to breaks (by law/rules), the software *enables* editing, and the manager *allows* flexible hours.
Both relate to conferring something formal: a right (from a title of status) or a name (a title for a work). The common root is the concept of a 'title' as a formal designation.