egalitarian

American  

[ih-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn] / ɪˌgæl ɪˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, economic, or social life.

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noun

1. a person who adheres to egalitarian beliefs.

egalitarian British  

/ ɪˌɡælɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or upholding the doctrine of the equality of mankind and the desirability of political, social, and economic equality

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noun

1. an adherent of egalitarian principles

Usage

What does egalitarian mean? Egalitarianism is a social and political philosophy promoting the equal status of all people. Something in line with this principle is described as egalitarian. Someone who espouses this principle of equality can be called an egalitarian. How is egalitarian pronounced?[ ih-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn ]What are other forms of egalitarian?egalitarianismWhat are some other words related to egalitarian?

• democracy
• equality

Other Word Forms

• antiegalitarian
  adjective
• egalitarianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of egalitarian

First recorded in 1880–85; alteration of equalitarian with French égal replacing equal

Compare meaning

How does egalitarian compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• egalitarian vs. feminism

Explanation

An egalitarian is a person who believes in the equality of all people, and an egalitarian society gives everyone equal rights. This is a word that means something close to equality and has to do with fairness. If you believe that everyone deserves a chance to vote, go to school, get good jobs, and participate in society, then you are an egalitarian. When laws make life fairer, the law is getting more egalitarian. The opposite of an egalitarian system could be a fascist society or dictatorship. Monarchies are not egalitarian. When you see this word, think about equality and freedom.

Example Sentences

Egalitarian theories assert that all individuals should enjoy equal status and moral worth and that any legitimate system of government should reflect this value.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

The decision of the Supreme Court of Justice comes five years after the advocacy group Egalitarian Venezuela filed a lawsuit asking it to repeal the provision.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2022

Egalitarian principles have long been part of the American Catholic tradition as well, going back to the first schools opened in America’s inner cities by pioneering priests and nuns.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2012

Egalitarian Virtues Trump Fireworks Steve Cardenas is an earthbound jazz guitarist, more at home with the stir of a rhythm section than the whoosh of solo heroics.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2010

There are a few members of the Egalitarian Party in the rows as well, with their yellow-and-blue-striped ties, but they are far outnumbered by the Survivalists.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• democratic
• equitable