Elitist

Relating to or characterized by elitism; favoring or believing that an elite group should have power or privilege, often viewing others as inferior.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a debate where a speaker insists that only graduates from a handful of elite universities can understand important policy decisions, dismissing everyone else as incapable.

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Sounds Like

ih-LEE-tist

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Looks Like

elitist

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Remember This

Elitist describes a attitude or stance that separates people into a privileged 'elite' group and everyone else. The noun form is 'elitist' (a person who holds such views) and the related noun is 'elitism' (the belief in or practice of elitism).

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Other Forms

elitismnoun

elitistnoun

elitisticadjective

elitistsnoun

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Connect With

snobbish, exclusive, aristocratic, privilege, elitism, classism, superiority

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Note

Elitist is pejorative and implies condescension toward non-elites. Do not confuse with 'elite' which can be a neutral noun or adjective referring to the best or a select few; elitist has a judgmental nuance.

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Study Deeper

Examples

Her elitist attitude made it clear she believed only graduates from top universities could contribute to the project.
The policy was criticized as elitist, favoring the wealthy and well-connected over the average citizen.

Synonyms

snobbishpretentiousexclusivearistocratichigh-handed

Antonyms

inclusiveegalitarianhumbleunpretentious

Etymology

From elite (the chosen few), borrowed from French elite, derived from Latin eligere 'to select' + the suffix -ist indicating a person who adheres to a belief or practice.

Mnemonic

ELITIST = ELITE LIST: picture someone guarding an exclusive list of the elite; that person acts as the quintessential elitist.