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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• antielitism noun
• elitist noun

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

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

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

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 • Oct. 17, 2025

But Tony Nelson, a former RAF serviceman who runs the Facebook group, denies any charge of elitism or Nimbyism.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Opera’s efforts at taking the elitism out of opera may make a difference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2024

Over time, the Meggers-Roosevelt dispute grew bitter and personal; inevitable in a contemporary academic context, it featured charges of colonialism, elitism, and membership in the CIA.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann