Mastering entitled vs. titled can be challenging. Both are okay to use in the context of giving a title to something. However, only entitled is right for someone who thinks they have special rights. Confused? Read on to better understand the correct usage of these words.
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What Is Entitled?
Entitled, an adjective, means believing that you have an inherent right to certain privileges. For instance, most people see spoiled kids as entitled brats who think they can do whatever they want.
Entitled can also be the past simple and past participle of the verb entitle, which means to allow or give a title to something.
Example sentences:
- Her status as a princess entitled her to treatment few others ever receive.
- Forgetting their elders said the same to them, older people often say younger people act entitled.
- Being the coach’s son doesn’t mean you’re entitled to more playing time.
- I finished my homework! I’m entitled to ice cream.
- I’ve been working here for a decade already. I am entitled to a promotion!
What Is Titled?
Titled, also an adjective, means having a title, sometimes a special one (for instance, persons with high social status). It can also be the past or past participle form of the verb title, which means to give something a name or call it by a certain name.
Before its present form, title was titul in Old English. It came from the Latin titulus.
Example sentences:
- Since he was still a minor, they titled the car under his parents’ names.
- After becoming a baroness, she became part of the titled gentry.
- He titled his book with controversial language to attract more attention.
- They titled their new boat after their beloved pet cat.
- You need to give a title to your creative work!
Entitled vs. Titled: Which One to Use?
Using entitled vs. titled can be tricky. You can use both the same way in one context but not in another. Understanding the nuances of these words is easier if you know the preferences set in some modern style guides.
When and How to Use Titled?
The Associated Press Stylebook stipulates that we should use titled in reference to names and titles. Those titles can refer to both people and objects.
For example:
- When your parents named you, they titled you.
- A person who earns an advanced degree may be titled with something like Doctor.
- Cars are titled under people’s names to register ownership legally.
- Books are titled, and properties and possessions may be titled.
When and How to Use Entitled?
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOs) mentions that both entitled and titled can refer to having a title. This means you can use entitled in the situations noted in the previous section.
The AP Stylebook, though, prefers that entitled only refers to special rights or privileges. For instance, anyone elected as President of the United States is entitled to Secret Service protection for life.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between these two words is that titled should never refer to special privileges (self-imposed or not). For instance, saying an arrogant person is a titled jerk will not mean what you think it does. Entitled is the correct word or the preferred choice to use if the context has a negative connotation.
Tip: Always consider the style guide you’re following before choosing between entitled vs title. Remember, CMOS accepts both entitled and titled for having a title. On the other hand, AP Style only allows titled.
Final Thoughts
So, entitled vs. title? You can use both of them if the subject matter is about actual titles (title of a person, title of a book, title of a movie, title of a work, and so on). However, you can’t use titled in the context of special treatment or special privilege. If the context of your sentences is having a sense of entitlement, use the word entitled instead.
