elitism

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

/ ɪˈli tɪz əm, eɪˈli- /

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See synonyms for: 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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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. 2023

How to use elitism in a sentence

Especially now, this inclusivity and the free flow of ideas and viewpoints, not the walled off elitism of years past, are what drives the outdoor business.
The Spirit Behind Seirus|cobrien|December 17, 2021|Outside Online
Placing audience members in the show and letting them consider how they would wear the couture walking by them is a departure from the fashion elitism synonymous with luxury brands.
Model Revolutionaries Rock Fashion|Sean Culligan|August 5, 2021|Ozy
She is spot on in describing American medicine’s “devotion to elitism masked by meritocracy” and delineates how structural racism is embedded in medicine’s history.
Brand-new doctors, enlisted to battle the pandemic|Colleen M. Farrell|July 2, 2021|Washington Post
What I can say is that the psychological components that form the tendency for interpersonal victimhood—moral elitism and lack of empathy—are also particularly relevant in describing the role of social power holders.
Why People Feel Like Victims - Issue 99: Universality|Mark MacNamara|May 5, 2021|Nautilus

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