elitism

[ih-lee-tiz-uhm, ey-lee-]

noun

1. practice of or belief in rule by an elite.

2. consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.

elitism

/ ɪˈliːtɪzəm, eɪ- /

noun

1. 1. the belief that society should be governed by a select group of gifted and highly educated individuals

   2. such government

2. pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group

Other Word Forms

• elitist adjective
• antielitism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elitism¹

First recorded in 1950–55; elite + -ism

Example Sentences

She comes across as preaching to her peers rather than seeking converts, a whiff of Oxbridge elitism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This has nothing to do with elitism. This is about protecting our community, our children, and making it safe to be on the street.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Burning Man Leftovers: These sculptures lack the gaudy grandeur of their relatives that are displayed annually at the festival in the Nevada desert but retain those works’ air of muesli-munching elitism.

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It ended with a call to action: "I will join. I will fight against corruption and against political elitism. Will you?"

Read more on BBC

Clothing and jewelry are the artwork upstairs; the way the instruments and recording equipment adorn the bottom floor with purpose and function, chic without trying too hard, is elevated without any air of elitism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times