Perquisite

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpɜːkwɪzɪt/

Definitions

  1. An entitlement or special benefit granted to an individual | A privilege or advantage that comes as a result of a particular position | A complimentary bonus received due to one's role or status in a job
  2. A special benefit or privilege that is provided to someone in a specific role | An additional advantage or entitlement received as a result of one's position | A bonus or amenity granted to an individual due to their job status
  3. A benefit or advantage that is typically associated with a particular role or position in an organization A privilege or extra compensation received as a result of one's occupational status An item or service received in addition to standard remuneration due to a job role

Etymology: The term began as a straightforward Latin compound: "per-" meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and "quaerere," which means "to seek." In Latin, "perquisitum" referred to something obtained or acquired, often through effort or inquiry. This base meaning of something gained or earned laid the foundation for its journey into English. By the late Middle Ages, the word had entered Anglo-French as "perquisite" or "perquisit," meaning an acquisition or something additional obtained beyond the main expectation. English speakers adopted it in the 16th century, retaining this sense of an extra benefit or gain. Originally, the term was broadly applied to any additional profit or advantage, especially in a financial or legal context. Over time, the word narrowed in English usage to mean a specific kind of additional benefit, often linked to employment or office. It came to denote a perk or fringe benefit—something a person receives beyond their salary or official remuneration. This shift reflects the practical realities of patronage and compensation in early modern Europe, where offices and positions often came with rights to fees, goods, or privileges beyond the official pay. The term’s evolution shows a smooth transition from the abstract idea of “something acquired” to the more concrete and familiar modern notion of a "perk" associated with jobs and social status. Its pronunciation, /ˈpɜːkwɪzɪt/, preserves the original Latin roots, even as the meaning has specialized in English usage.

Synonyms: benefit, privilege