classism

[ klas-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈklæs ɪz əm /

Save This Word!

noun

a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes.

the viewing of society as being composed of distinct classes.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of classism

First recorded in 1835–45; class + -ism

Words nearby classism

classifier, classify, class inclusion, class interval, classis, classism, classless, class list, class mark, classmate, class meaning

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use classism in a sentence

The cases they cover obliquely comment on structural misogyny, with a smattering of moments where structural classism and racism brush up against the stories of the victims and their killers.
One Good Thing: A true crime book about the problems with true crime books|Emily VanDerWerff|July 14, 2021|Vox
They understood the interconnectedness of humanity, and in particular concerning voting rights, how classism and racism were at work to create barriers.
William Barber and Bernice King: We Must Reclaim Voting Rights as a Moral Issue|William J. Barber II|April 14, 2021|Time
As the young woman wrestles with what it means to be free, a notion made more complicated by time spent in Haiti, Kaitlyn Greenidge weaves together an intricate narrative about colorism, classism and community.
Here Are the 14 New Books You Should Read in March|Annabel Gutterman|February 26, 2021|Time
I was part of a political movement that was very focused on classism and racism.
How a Groundbreaking Book Helped a Generation of Lesbians See Themselves in the 1970s|Paul Moakley|February 13, 2021|Time

Man Repeller The women’s style blog Man Repeller, which was first published in 2010 by Leandra Medine Cohen, shut down its site on October 19 following allegations of racism and classism against the founder and the publication.
In memoriam: A round-up of the media companies we lost in 2020|Kayleigh Barber|December 30, 2020|Digiday
The rule of law, you see, buckles, bends and sometimes crumbles under the weight of racism, sexism, and classism.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Mainstream feminism is riddled with classism, racism, and sexual orientation discrimination,” she wrote.
Will White Feminists Finally Dump Lena Dunham?|Samantha Allen|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You starred on Entourage, but also seem to be cognizant of classism.
Adrian Grenier Talks the Economy, the ‘Entourage’ Movie, and the HBO Series’ Alleged ‘Misogyny’|Marlow Stern|October 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Be aware of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, ableism, and other issues of privilege and oppression.
Warning: This Column Will Offend You|Michael Moynihan|April 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Not a bad run for a subtle commentary on South Korean classism.
YouTube’s 10 Most-Watched Videos Ever|Jake Heller, Patrice Howard|April 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for classism

classism

/ (ˈklɑːsɪzəm) /

noun

the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others

Derived forms of classism

classist, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012