Perogative vs. Prerogative: The Correct Spellings

Perogative is a frequently encountered misspelling of the actual term, prerogative. The misspelling likely occurs due to the mispronunciation of the word, causing the first ‘r’ to be omitted in writing as it sometimes is in speech.

Prerogative comes from the Latin word “praerogativa,” originally referring to the centuria praerogativa, which was the first group of citizens to vote in the legislative assemblies of ancient Rome. It has evolved to mean a unique privilege or right, often associated with social status, position, or authority. This historical context emphasizes the privilege and selectiveness that the term implies.

To spell “prerogative” correctly, one needs to be mindful of including the first ‘r’ after the ‘p’—something often overlooked due to its absence in colloquial pronunciation. A helpful way to remember this could be to think of the word “pre” as in “before” which is at the beginning of “prerogative,” highlighting priority or precedence, consistent with the word’s meaning of a special right or privilege.

Incorrect: The teacher's perogative includes choosing the curriculum.

Correct: The teacher's prerogative includes choosing the curriculum.

Incorrect: Using the company car for personal trips is a manager's perogative.

Correct: Using the company car for personal trips is a manager's prerogative.

Incorrect: It's my perogative to choose how I spend my time.

Correct: It's my prerogative to choose how I spend my time.

Incorrect: Perogative is her right to make her own decisions.

Correct: Prerogative is her right to make her own decisions.

Incorrect: He believes it's his perogative to give advice.

Correct: He believes it's his prerogative to give advice.

The inherent discretion to make decisions without the need for external approval or consent.

A special right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.

A right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group because of their rank, position, or authority.

A legal privilege or immunity granted to a person or group.

An advantage or benefit enjoyed by an individual or group due to their status or position.

An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right.

The exclusive right and power to command, decide, rule, or judge

Of, arising from, or exercising a prerogative.

A hereditary or official right or privilege.

A right, or power that is exclusive to a monarch etc, especially such a power to make a decision or judgement.

A right, especially when due to one's position or role.

A property, attribute or ability which gives one a superiority or advantage over others; an inherent advantage or privilege; a talent.

Having a hereditary or official right or privilege.

Characterized by lawless state actions, as in a prerogative state.

An exclusive or peculiar privilege; prior and indefeasible right; fundamental and essential possession; - used generally of an official and hereditary right which may be asserted without question, and for the exercise of which there is no responsibility or accountability as to the fact and the manner of its exercise.

Precedence; preëminence; first rank.

a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right);

As the team leader, it's my prerogative to assign tasks.

She used her prerogative to veto the decision.

The director exercised his prerogative to change the script.

It's the president's prerogative to appoint ambassadors.

Choosing the dinner location is always her prerogative.

It's a citizen's prerogative to vote in elections.

The author used her prerogative to end the story differently.

As an artist, it's his prerogative to interpret the theme as he sees fit.

It's a player's prerogative to appeal a penalty.

Parents have the prerogative to decide on their child's education.

Members have the prerogative to access exclusive content.

She took advantage of her prerogative to change the meeting agenda.

The principal's prerogative is to enforce school policies.

The senator's prerogative allowed him to initiate legislation.

The CEO has the prerogative to negotiate contracts.

The queen exercised her prerogative to pardon the prisoner.

It's the prerogative of the jury to determine the verdict.

The professor's prerogative includes selecting the textbooks.

It's the prerogative of the homeowner to set house rules.

The curator has the prerogative to select exhibits.

It's the prerogative of the committee to approve the budget.

Using prerogative, they chose to waive the fees.

Using his prerogative, the coach benched the star player for misconduct.

As subscribers, they have the prerogative to receive updates first.

The manager used her prerogative to offer a discount.

It is spelled prerogative, not perogative, due to its Latin origin, and the correct spelling includes the first ‘r’ after the ‘p,’ reflecting the proper pronunciation and etymology of the word.

Indeed, prerogative implies a degree of exclusivity as it refers to a right or privilege that is specific to an individual or group and is not universally applicable.

Certainly, prerogative can imply the inherent discretion to make decisions autonomously, without requiring external approval or consent.

Yes, the word prerogative originates from the Latin word “praerogativa,” relating to the privileged right to vote first in ancient Roman legislative assemblies.

To remember the correct spelling of prerogative, think of the prefix “pre-” as in “before,” emphasizing priority or precedence, and remember to include the ‘r’ after the ‘p’.

Yes, the common mispronunciation of prerogative, omitting the first ‘r,’ often leads to the incorrect spelling “perogative.”

Yes, prerogative is inherently linked to the concept of privilege, as it denotes a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a specific individual or group, often due to their status or position.

Absolutely, prerogative can refer to legal privileges or immunities that are granted to specific individuals or groups, often due to their rank, role, or authority.

Yes, the term prerogative often pertains to special rights, privileges, or advantages that are exclusive to individuals or groups due to their social status, position, or authority.

Misuse or misspelling of the word prerogative, such as writing it as “perogative,” can lead to misunderstandings and impede clear communication of its intended meaning of a special, exclusive right or privilege.