English Reference
Adjective

elitist

adj.
C1 Advanced US /eɪˈɫitɪst/ UK /ɪlˈiːtɪst/ elit·ist UK spelling elitists

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.


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.

It is elitist – and naive – to draw any real conclusions about what makes a good partner based on a reading test.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

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.

Phys.org· 25 Aug 2026

From elite + -ist.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated