elitism

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

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• eˈlitist, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• e·litist noun adjective
• anti·e·litism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elitism¹

First recorded in 1950–55; elite + -ism

Example Sentences

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Washington Post

That perception is false and often reflects not just ignorance but also elitism and racism.

From The Daily Beast

In their elitism and sense of entitlement, they represent much of what liberals are supposed to despise.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

By refusing to heed the public will, liberals gained a reputation for elitism.

From The Daily Beast

She uncovers a reprehensible example of cronyism, elitism, and vote finagling which reflects some Israeli Leftist shortcomings.

From The Daily Beast