elitism

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

/ ɪˈli tɪz əm, eɪˈli- /

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See synonyms for: elitism / elitist on Thesaurus.com

noun

practice of or belief in rule by an elite.

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

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

The Sunflower State

The Evergreen State

The Magnolia State

The Mockingbird State

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Origin of elitism

First recorded in 1950–55; elite + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM elitism

e·lit·ist, noun, adjectivean·ti·e·lit·ism, noun

Words nearby elitism

Elisha, elision, elisor, Elissa, elite, elitism, elitist, elix., elixir, Eliz., Eliza

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for elitism

Actually, a lot of people care about the activities of CNN’s prime-time hosts — especially when they reek of unaccountable elitism forced into the light of day via investigative reporting.
CNN’s Chris Cuomo got special treatment from New York, confirming worst suspicions about media elites|Erik Wemple|March 25, 2021|Washington Post
That perception is false and often reflects not just ignorance but also elitism and racism.
Forget the Kids Who Can’t Get In; What About Those Who Don’t Even Apply?|Jonah Edelman|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In their elitism and sense of entitlement, they represent much of what liberals are supposed to despise.
The Rise and Fall of Chris Hughes and Sean Eldridge, America’s Worst Gay Power Couple|James Kirchick|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That is not to say the students who submit to the elitism and racism promoted by the USC Greek system are wholly sympathetic.
Stepford Sororities: The Pressures of USC’s Greek Life|Maya Richard Craven|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

By refusing to heed the public will, liberals gained a reputation for elitism.
Ted Cruz and Other GOP Congressmen Lose by Acting Like Winners|Peter Beinart|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She uncovers a reprehensible example of cronyism, elitism, and vote finagling which reflects some Israeli Leftist shortcomings.
Open Zion Should Not Mean Open Season on Israel|Gil Troy|July 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for elitism

elitism

/ (ɪˈliːtɪzəm, eɪ-) /

noun

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

pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group

Derived forms of elitism

elitist, adjective, noun

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

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elitism

noun

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Origin of elitism

OTHER WORDS FROM elitism

Words nearby elitism

Example sentences from the Web for elitism

British Dictionary definitions for elitism

noun

Derived forms of elitism