Hi there! As you are well aware of, there are certain words in English that share some levels of relationships in terms of their graphology and semantics; that is how we write them and what they mean. (See Homophones, Homonyms and Homographs). Prerequisite and perquisite are no exceptions. This post, Prerequisite and perquisite – Definitions, Usages and Examples, focuses on these two words and their appropriate usage to avoid confusions that may arise from their graphological similarities. These two words can bring about confusion although they are completely different in meaning.
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Prerequisite and perquisite – Definitions, Usages and Examples
Let us begin by looking at the definition of prerequisite…
Prerequisite Meaning
Prerequisite, as a noun, refers to ‘something required as a condition for something to happen or exist’. In other words, it is something that is required as a precondition for something else to occur or be. As an adjective, it means something required as a prior condition for another thing to happen or take place.
Examples of Prerequisite in Sentences
The following sentences show prerequisite as used in sentences both a noun and an adjective:
- Passing the exam is a prerequisite for his getting the job.
- A certain amount of studying is a prerequisite of passing the exam.
- Training is prerequisite to competence.
- Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for the course.
- Good self-esteem is a prerequisite for a happy life.
- Training is a prerequisite for competence
- Sponsorship is not a prerequisite for any of our courses
- The prospective singers must have the prerequisite sight-reading skills.
- The students must have the prerequisite skills in order to play in the team.
- GRE was a prerequisite for admission into American Universities.
Prerequisite Synonym
There are quite some numbers of words that are synonymous with the word prerequisite. As nouns, they include, but not limited to: necessary condition, precondition, condition, essential, requirement, requisite, necessity, proviso, qualification, imperative, basic, rudiment, obligation, duty, sine qua non, must (informal), etc. But as an adjective, synonyms of prerequisite include: necessary, needed, required, called for, essential, requisite, vital, basic, of the essence, indispensable, imperative, obligatory, mandatory, compulsory, etc.
What is Perquisite?
Perquisite means ‘money or goods given as a right in addition to one’s pay’. It is an incidental benefit that someone gains from a certain type of employment, such as the use of a company car. Perquisite is also a customary benefit received in addition to a regular income, especially one expected or promised; a tip that is customary on some occasions. It also means ‘a right’; that is, something someone considers to be an exclusive right.
The word is from Medieval Latin perquisitum which means ‘an acquired possession’. It is also from the Latin word ‘perquirere’ which means ‘to seek earnestly for something’, from per- (thoroughly) plus quaerere ‘to ask for, seek’.
Perquisite in a Sentence
Let us see the word perquisite(s) as used in sentences:
- She considers her pension to be the most desirable perquisite of her profession.
- A corporate office is a perquisite for a thriving enterprise.
- Yachts, exotic holidays and expensive cars are the perquisite of the rich.
- There are various perquisites such as a company car.
- Although Senators get fat salaries, perquisites attached to their official positions are enormous.
- The perquisites of a class which had long misgoverned the country must be taken away.
- She gets various perquisites in addition to her wages.
- The queen enjoys the best perquisites reserved for royalty.
- Free accommodation, fuel allowance and official vehicles are perquisites of being a senior public official.
There is another word that is the abbreviation of the word ‘perquisite’. That word is perks.
Perks Meaning in English
Have you heard of phrases like ‘perks of office’, perks of life’ before? What does ‘perks’ mean? Let us see ‘perks’ definition. Perks refer to an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right). In other words, fringe benefit, perquisite, gain, benefit, backsheesh, gratuity, pourboire, tip, etc. It actually means the same as perquisites. See these examples:
- The pay is not very much but the perks are good.
- She enjoys the perks of the office.
- To have the world’s best doctors on call is one of the perks of the rich and famous.
- Free lunch is one of the perks of our job.
- She likes to enjoy the perks of life.
Perks Antonyms
There are myriads of perks antonyms. Let us see some of them:
Disadvantage, loss, resource, need, lost revenues, debt, lack, payment, want, bills, negative earnings, material losses, setback, loss burden, minuses, inconveniences, flings, imperfections, limitations, injuries, losses, obstructions, losing, lesion, expenses, poornesses, drawbacks, detriment, disadvantages, waste, sacrifice, downsides, detriments, forfeitures, dilapidations, disgraces, deprivations, difficulties, distresses, failures, glowers, hardships, deprivation, forfeit, forfeiture, deprival, damage, bad, basis price, etc.
Another word for Perks
There are words that are synonymous with the word perks. Let us consider some of them:
In terms of gratuity, we have words such as: cumshaw, lagniappe, largess, palm grease, palm oil, perk(s), pourboire, tip, privilege, freebie (informal), bonus, extra, advantage, incentive, plus, plus point, sweetener (informal), benefit, etc.
In terms of right, we have words like: appanage, birthright, prerogative, privilege, etc.
Requisite vs prerequisite
These two words are closely related. We have already explained prerequisite but what does requisite mean? Requisite, as an adjective means something required, needed, needful, necessary or appropriate for a specific purpose. It also means necessary for relief or supply as in:
- He has the requisite skills for the job
As a noun, requisite means something or anything indispensable, essential or necessary; essential, necessary, necessity, requirement, desideratum, must, need, want, etc. as in
- We need a place where we can obtain the requisites of water, fuel, and fodder.
