elitist

American  

[ih-lee-tist, ey-lee‑] / ɪˈli tɪst, eɪˈli‑ /

adjective

1. (of a person or class of persons) considered superior by others or by themselves, as in intellect, talent, power, wealth, or position in society.

   elitist country clubbers who have theirs and don't care about anybody else.

2. catering to or associated with an elitist class, its ideologies, or its institutions.

   Even at such a small, private college, Latin and Greek are under attack as too elitist.

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noun

1. a person having, thought to have, or professing superior intellect or talent, power, wealth, or membership in the upper echelons of society.

   He lost a congressional race in Texas by being smeared as an Eastern elitist.

2. a person who believes in the superiority of an elitist class.

Other Word Forms

• antielitist noun
• nonelitist noun

Etymology

Origin of elitist

elite + -ist

Example Sentences

Biden and his aides spend considerable time thinking about these problems, and he has tried to take a less elitist approach.

From New York Times

Breaking into dizzying hook steps, the heroes defeat their elitist rivals with moves rooted in Indian folk dance.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico’s president denies the reforms are a threat to democracy and says criticism is elitist, arguing the institute spends too much money.

From Seattle Times

The public has glommed on to the cosmic irony of Davis, a Black radical, being descended from a group of people whom elitists view as a top determinant of social legitimacy.

From Salon

He's toeing a populist line even though he himself is technically an elitist, if you think about it.

From Salon