What is a Perquisite? Understanding Job Benefits Beyond Salary
Learn about perquisites, the extra benefits that come with certain jobs. This video explains the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of ‘perquisite’, its history, synonyms, and how it differs from ‘prerequisite’. Perfect for expanding your vocabulary and understanding job offers better.
Imagine starting a new job and discovering that you get free gourmet lunches every day. Sounds pretty sweet, right?
Well, that’s what we call a perquisite.
Word type: Noun Perquisite, pronounced per-kwi-zit, is a fancy term for a special benefit or privilege that comes with a particular job or position.
It’s often shortened to perk in everyday language.
Meaning: A perquisite is an extra advantage, benefit, or privilege beyond one’s regular salary or compensation, typically associated with a specific job or role.
Word history: The term perquisite has an interesting origin. It comes from the Latin word perquisitum, which means something gained or acquired.
This word entered the English language in the 15th century, initially referring to property acquired through one’s office or position, often in addition to a regular salary.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for perquisite include disadvantage, drawback, and liability.
Synonyms: Common synonyms for perquisite include perk, benefit, bonus, privilege, and fringe benefit.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how we can use perquisite in context. One: The company car was an attractive perquisite that came with the sales manager position.
Two: Free childcare on-site was considered a valuable perquisite by many employees with young children.
Three: The executive’s perquisites included a corner office, a personal assistant, and unlimited vacation days.
Common errors in use: People sometimes confuse perquisite with prerequisite. While they sound similar, a prerequisite is a required condition or qualification, whereas a perquisite is an extra benefit.
Also, remember that perquisite is a noun, not an adjective. You wouldn’t say something is perquisite; instead, you’d say it’s a perquisite.
To sum up, a perquisite is an extra benefit or privilege that comes with a particular job or position.
It’s often shortened to perk in casual conversation. Remember its pronunciation, per-kwi-zit, and don’t confuse it with prerequisite.
Whether it’s a company car, free meals, or extra vacation days, perquisites can make a job much more appealing beyond just the salary.
Keep this word in mind for your SAT vocabulary, as it’s a great way to precisely describe job benefits and privileges.
