elitism

American  

[ih-lee-tiz-uhm, ey-lee-] / ɪˈli tɪz əm, eɪˈli- /

noun

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

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

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elitism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antielitism noun
• elitist noun

Etymology

Origin of elitism

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.

From 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.”

From 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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Los Angeles Times

"She took away the elitism that was in fashion, and brought a democratisation, and made fashion this party that everybody else was invited to."

From BBC