egalitarianism
Americannoun
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belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, social, or economic life.
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active promotion of this belief.
Etymology
Origin of egalitarianism
Explanation
Egalitarianism is the belief that all people are created equal. Remember the Reverend Martin Luther King? He was a fervent believer in egalitarianism. Egalitarianism is a set of beliefs that generally promote equality for all mankind — regardless of gender, race, religious orientation, etc. An egalitarian is someone who practices egalitarianism, perhaps by promoting laws giving equal protection to women in the workplace or by advocating for illegal immigrants to have the same rights as citizens. The opposite of egalitarianism is elitism, which is the belief that certain people have a right to have their opinions heard more than others.
Vocabulary lists containing egalitarianism
STAAR Government & Citizenship 2
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Hunger of Memory
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"The Americans: Reconstruction to the 21st Century," Vocabulary from Chapter 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
U.S. and European cultures generally place a higher value on egalitarianism and direct communication, so their employees may be more willing to challenge leaders’ assumptions about AI effectiveness.
From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025
These exhibitions are leading towards "technology-prompted egalitarianism" in the textiles ecosystem, says Ritu Sethi, founder of India's Crafts Revival Trust.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2025
The study also highlights the importance of egalitarianism, respect for individual autonomy and extensive sharing in shaping how cultural knowledge is passed down among hunter gatherers.
From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024
If they do, it’s often in a way that diminishes the significance of race in society or emphasizes egalitarianism.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2024
In fact, acceptance of cognitive egalitarianism means they cannot think historically, for a cognitive egalitarian cannot explain why, to take but one example, we no longer believe that swallows overwinter in ponds.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
