Prerogative

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɹɪˈɹɒɡ.É™.tɪv/
• US IPA: /pɹəˈɹɑɡ.É™.tɪv/

Alternative forms

• prærogative obsolete

Origin

From the Anglo-Norman noun prerogative, from Latin praerogātīva ("previous verdict; claim, privilege"), noun use of the feminine singular of praerogātīvus ("having first vote; privileged").

Full definition of prerogative

Noun

1. A hereditary or official right or privilege.
2. A right, or power that is exclusive to a monarch etc, especially such a power to make a decision or judgement.
3. A right, generally
• 2002, Patrick Robinson, The Shark Mutiny, page 48:"Ah, that's your prerogative as an Intelligence officer, Jimmy. But it's been your prerogative for weeks, months, and nothing has happened, as I told you ..."
• 2004, Joel Osteen, Your best life now: 7 steps to living at your full potential, page 92:If you want to wear your hair a certain way, that's your prerogative. You don't have to check with all your friends to make sure it's okay.
• 2005, Tracy Hogg, Melinda Blau, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate, page 56:If you choose another approach — that's your prerogative. But the problem is that parents often don't realize they're making the choice ...
4. A property, attribute or ability which gives one a superiority or advantage over others; an inherent advantage or privilege; a talent.

Adjective

1. Having a hereditary or official right or privilege.