Word
elitist
Phoneticselit·ist
US/eɪˈɫitɪst/
UK/ɪlˈiːtɪst/
Definition
adj. describing a person or group that thinks they are better than others because of their money, intelligence, or status. You use this to criticize someone for being snobbish or exclusive.
adj. characterised by the belief that a society or system should be led by a small, select group of people. Often carries a pejorative connotation, implying an attitude of superiority or snobbery.
Examples
“Some people think that private clubs are too elitist.”
“The politician was accused of having an elitist attitude because he rarely visited working-class neighborhoods.”
“Critics argued that the gallery's high admission fees and obscure academic descriptions created an elitist atmosphere that discouraged the general public from visiting.”
Examples
simple
“Some people think that private clubs are too elitist.”
contextual
“The politician was accused of having an elitist attitude because he rarely visited working-class neighborhoods.”
complex
“Critics argued that the gallery's high admission fees and obscure academic descriptions created an elitist atmosphere that discouraged the general public from visiting.”
Usage
Often used as a pejorative adjective to criticize institutions or individuals perceived as snobbish.
Real-World Examples
“It is elitist – and naive – to draw any real conclusions about what makes a good partner based on a reading test.” “It is therefore less elitist than many people assume," says Krolo, himself a wine collector who has helped with grape harvests in France and Germany on several occasions.” Etymology
From elite + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/elitist