entitled
Definitions
Having the right to have or do something
有权利的，有资格的
Believing oneself to deserve special privileges or treatment one has not earned
自以为应享有特权的，有特权心态的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe participle of entitle used as an adjective. Neutral sense: holding a rightful claim (entitled to benefits). Modern critical sense: acting as if you hold a title of privilege you never earned — an entitled attitude.
Root titl still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
The same word can be neutral or a put-down. 'Entitled to a refund' is a plain statement of rights. But 'an entitled kid' is harsh — it accuses someone of acting as though they hold a 'title' of privilege they never earned, expecting special treatment as a birthright. The metaphor of a status label runs through both, but in the criticism the title is imaginary.
Usage Guide
Two registers: 'entitled to (something)' = neutral, legal/administrative. 'an entitled person/attitude' (used alone, before a noun) = strongly negative, social criticism. Tone is set by whether 'to' follows.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave.
- 2.
He's so entitled that he expects everyone to wait on him.
- 3.
Their entitled behavior annoyed the entire team.
Easily Confused
entitled (neutral) vs entitled (critical) — 'entitled to X' just means you have a right to X. 'He's entitled' (no 'to') means he's spoilt and demanding. The presence of 'to' flips the tone from fact to insult.