Perogative or Prerogative? Which is correct?

Vocabulary / By

There is some debate over whether the correct spelling is “perogative” or “prerogative.” The word comes from the Latin “prerogativa,” which means “privilege.”

“Prerogative” is the correct spelling, while “perogative” is a misspelling.

Where Prerogative Comes From

The word prerogative has a long and interesting history. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, derived from the Anglo-Norman word prerogatif. This word, in turn, came from the Latin phrase praerogatio regis, which means “the King’s prerogative.” The original meaning of prerogative was “a special right or privilege.”

Over time, this meaning has changed somewhat, and today the word is often used to refer to a right or privilege that is enjoyed by a particular group of people. For example, one might say that it is the perogative of the wealthy to travel first class. The word perogative can also be used to describe a situation in which someone takes advantage of their position of power.

For example, a boss might use their prerogative to give themselves a bonus, even if their employees are not getting one. Ultimately, the word perogative is a fascinating example of how language evolves over time.

How to Use Prerogative Correctly

The word prerogative can be a little tricky to use correctly. In general, it refers to a special right or power that is reserved for a particular person or group. For example, the president of the United States has the prerogative to declare war.

However, the word can also be used more loosely to refer to any kind of privilege or advantage. For instance, you might say that it’s your prerogative to choose your own clothes, or that wealthy people have the prerogative of being able to afford expensive holidays.

In both cases, using the word prerogative indicates that you have the right to do something that others might not have. So keep this in mind next time you’re tempted to use the word – make sure that you’re using it in the correct context. Otherwise, you might just end up sounding like a pompous windbag!

 

Conor
Latest posts by Conor (see all)