Perquisites: The Extra Benefits of Your Dream Job
Discover the meaning and importance of perquisites, the extra benefits and privileges that can come with a job beyond just the salary. Learn how perquisites differ from prerequisites, explore common examples, and understand the role they play in attracting top talent.
Imagine landing your dream job and discovering that along with your salary, you get a company car, free gym membership, and unlimited snacks in the office.
These extra benefits are what we call perquisites, our word of focus for today’s GRE vocabulary lesson.
Word type: Perquisite is a noun. It’s pronounced as PUR-kwuh-zit, with the stress on the first syllable.
Meaning: A perquisite, often shortened to perk, refers to a privilege, gain, or profit that comes as an addition to regular pay for a job.
It’s essentially an extra benefit or advantage that comes with a particular position or status.
Word history:
The term perquisite has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Medieval Latin word perquisitum, which means something gained or profited.
This, in turn, derives from the Latin perquirere, meaning to search for thoroughly. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent the benefits one gains from a thorough search or from holding a particular position.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for perquisite include benefit, perk, bonus, privilege, advantage, and fringe benefit.
Antonyms: Antonyms or opposite concepts to perquisite might include penalty, disadvantage, or detriment.
Examples use in sentences: Here are a few examples to help solidify your understanding: As a senior executive, Sarah enjoyed several perquisites, including a corner office and a reserved parking spot.
The company attracted top talent by offering unique perquisites such as on-site childcare and flexible work hours.
While the salary was modest, the job came with the perquisite of living in a beautiful coastal town.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing perquisite with prerequisite. While they sound similar, a prerequisite is a required condition or qualification, whereas a perquisite is an extra benefit.
Another error is using perquisite for any type of benefit or advantage, when it specifically relates to benefits tied to a job or position.
In conclusion, understanding the word perquisite not only enhances your GRE vocabulary but also provides insight into the world of employment benefits.
Remember, perquisites are those extra advantages that come with a job, making the position more attractive beyond just the salary.
As you continue your GRE preparation, keep an eye out for this word and its various applications in different contexts.
