Word
egalitarian
Phoneticsegal·i·tar·i·an
US/ɪˌɡæɫəˈtɛɹiən/
UK/ɪɡˌælɪtˈeəɹiən/
Definition
adj. believing that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities. You use this to describe a person, a group, or a system that treats everyone fairly.
adj. characterised by the belief that all people are inherently equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. Often used to describe social systems, political philosophies, or organizational structures.
Examples
“The company has an egalitarian culture where everyone's opinion matters.”
“The new government promised to build a more egalitarian society by improving access to education and healthcare for all citizens.”
“While the organization claims to be egalitarian, the significant pay gap between executives and entry-level staff suggests that a rigid hierarchy still persists in practice.”
Examples
simple
“The company has an egalitarian culture where everyone's opinion matters.”
contextual
“The new government promised to build a more egalitarian society by improving access to education and healthcare for all citizens.”
complex
“While the organization claims to be egalitarian, the significant pay gap between executives and entry-level staff suggests that a rigid hierarchy still persists in practice.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“The image is so concise that the magazine becomes an artwork – an egalitarian one that you can afford.” “Strains can develop if the person needing care becomes too demanding or feels guilty about accepting help, challenging the egalitarian expectations for friendships.” Etymology
From French égalitaire + -ian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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