entitled: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Both formal (legal, official contexts) and informal (colloquial, pejorative sense).
Quick answer
What does “entitled” mean?
Having the official right or permission to have, do, or receive something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having the official right or permission to have, do, or receive something; also used to describe a person believing they inherently deserve special privileges.
Can refer to the formal name given to a book, play, etc.; or, in its negative sense, describing an arrogant or demanding attitude based on perceived superiority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core usage. Both regions use both meanings extensively.
Connotations
The pejorative sense ('acting entitled') is equally common and negatively perceived in both dialects.
Frequency
The pejorative use has risen sharply in frequency in both dialects in the 21st century.
Grammar
How to Use “entitled” in a Sentence
be entitled to + noun (e.g., a refund)be entitled to + infinitive (e.g., to vote)be entitled + noun phrase (e.g., The book is entitled 'War and Peace')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entitled” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scheme entitles you to a discount on council tax.
- The legislation entitles workers to statutory sick pay.
American English
- Your insurance plan entitles you to see a specialist.
- The warranty entitles the buyer to a free repair.
adverb
British English
- He asked entitledly for the manager, demanding special service.
American English
- She behaved entitledly, assuming she could skip the line.
adjective
British English
- She has a very entitled manner, expecting everyone to help her.
- You are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act.
American English
- His entitled attitude really grates on his coworkers.
- As a veteran, he is entitled to certain benefits.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to employee benefits, rights, or share allocations (e.g., 'You are entitled to 25 days' leave').
Academic
Used in legal, sociological, or literary contexts (e.g., 'citizens entitled to due process'; 'a novel entitled...').
Everyday
Commonly used for rights (e.g., ticket refunds) and critically to describe arrogant behaviour.
Technical
In law: statutory rights; in publishing: the official name of a work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “entitled”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “entitled”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entitled”
- Using 'entitled' as a simple synonym for 'titled' in informal naming ('a book entitled...' is correct but formal).
- Incorrect preposition: 'entitled for' (WRONG) vs. 'entitled to' (CORRECT).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In legal, official, or formal contexts (e.g., 'entitled to benefits', 'a book entitled...'), it is neutral. The negative connotation applies specifically to the adjective describing a person's arrogant attitude.
Both can mean 'named'. 'Entitled' is more formal and often used for books, plays, laws. 'Titled' is less formal and can be used more broadly. Some style guides prefer 'titled' to avoid confusion with the 'rights' meaning.
No. You must use the passive/descriptive form with 'is' or 'was': 'He IS entitled to a reward.' The active form of the verb is different: 'This voucher ENTITLES him to a reward.'
It describes someone who demands special treatment, privileges, or obedience from others based on a belief in their inherent superiority, without earning it or showing gratitude. It implies arrogance and a lack of empathy.
Having the official right or permission to have, do, or receive something.
Entitled is usually both formal (legal, official contexts) and informal (colloquial, pejorative sense). in register.
Entitled: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtaɪtld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtaɪtəld/ /ənˈtaɪtəld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sense of entitlement”
- “To be entitled to one's opinion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TITLE: a book gets its TITLE (is entitled '...'); a person with a fancy TITLE might act ENTITLED.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGHTS ARE POSSESSIONS (to 'have' rights); ARROGANCE IS A CLAIM TO OWNERSHIP (acting like you own special treatment).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'entitled' used in its modern, pejorative sense?