How to spell privilege
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
privilege
P-R-I-V-I-L-E-G-E
The part to watch: priv + i + lege, with no d. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Privilege ends -lege, with no d. People add a d because of words like knowledge. The vowel after v is i.
Privilege is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with no single spelling rule. These words follow no single rule. Look, say, cover, write and check them a few times a week until they stick.
Common mistakes with privilege
- Wrong: priviledgeRight: privilege
- Wrong: privelegeRight: privilege
- Wrong: privilageRight: privilege
A way to remember it
Privilege has two i letters and two e letters, and no d anywhere.
Privilege in syllables
priv · i · lege
Privilege has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
It was a privilege to meet the author.
Privilege on the statutory list
Privilege is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with privilege, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words to learn by heart
Other words on the Year 5 and 6 list to learn by heart.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell privileged?
Privileged is privilege + d. There is still no d before the g.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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