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
• elitist
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of elitism

First recorded in 1950–55; elite + -ism

Explanation

The idea that a small, select group of people should get their way is called elitism. Rich politicians and academics alike are sometimes accused of elitism. People who are fans of democracy, believing that all citizens should be able to vote for their governmental representatives, are not likely to be fond of elitism. When governments are made up solely of members of the same family, social class, or specific demographic they can be accused of elitism. Ironically, the root of elitism is the Latin word ēligere, which means "to choose."

Example Sentences

And as we’re questioning our long-held beliefs about “sink or swim” individualism and intellectual elitism, this is also an interrupter.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

As The Outline saliently noted in 2019, this disposition seemed to suggest a holier-than-thou elitism.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

Maybe CFB should go Waymo, blame the robots for any uproar about gatekeeping and big-school elitism and let the smoke-filled room return to cognacs and afternoon naps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

"It goes in line with this sort of academic elitism that for something to be serious, it has to be a Shakespearean tragedy," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2025

It also imbued the sport with an aura of elitism that has lingered to this day.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown