Elitism
noun
The belief that some certain people, groups, or classes are superior to others and deserve special treatment.
The aristocracy's elitism was clear in their disregard for the working class.
Often appears as...
- social elitism
- cultural elitism
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Preference for, or promotion of, highly trained or skilled people.
The tech company's elitism is evident in their rigorous selection process for hires.
Often appears as...
- intellectual elitism
- educational elitism
Usage tips
Approving
Academic, Technical
noun
The belief that some certain people, groups, or classes are superior to others and deserve special treatment.
The aristocracy's elitism was clear in their disregard for the working class.
Often appears as...
- social elitism
- cultural elitism
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Preference for, or promotion of, highly trained or skilled people.
The tech company's elitism is evident in their rigorous selection process for hires.
Often appears as...
- intellectual elitism
- educational elitism
Usage tips
Approving
Academic, Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Elitism often implies unequal treatment and prejudice against those viewed as less superior.
The club’s elitism made it inaccessible to most local residents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
In discussions, be aware that elitism can trigger negative reactions due to its association with social inequality.
Mentioning elitism can sometimes offend people who have faced social discrimination.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Use 'elitism' to discuss how power is held or displayed by a select group in society or an organization.
Corporate elitism dictates that only executives have a say in decision-making.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Elitism often implies unequal treatment and prejudice against those viewed as less superior.
The club’s elitism made it inaccessible to most local residents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
In discussions, be aware that elitism can trigger negative reactions due to its association with social inequality.
Mentioning elitism can sometimes offend people who have faced social discrimination.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Use 'elitism' to discuss how power is held or displayed by a select group in society or an organization.
Corporate elitism dictates that only executives have a say in decision-making.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Elitism often implies unequal treatment and prejudice against those viewed as less superior.
The club’s elitism made it inaccessible to most local residents.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
In discussions, be aware that elitism can trigger negative reactions due to its association with social inequality.
Mentioning elitism can sometimes offend people who have faced social discrimination.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Use 'elitism' to discuss how power is held or displayed by a select group in society or an organization.
Corporate elitism dictates that only executives have a say in decision-making.
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Video examples
Political common ground...
So the critique is, you are not dealing with the real problems. There's a feeling of a snobbishness, an elitism that is very off-putting. What are they missing? If you could plant one piece of truth
Video examples
Weaving narratives in...
what they're looking for others are very uneasy it's an intimidating place they feel that the institution is elitist I'm working to try and break down that sense of that elitism I want to put
Video examples
Political common ground...
So the critique is, you are not dealing with the real problems. There's a feeling of a snobbishness, an elitism that is very off-putting. What are they missing? If you could plant one piece of truth
Video examples
Weaving narratives in...
what they're looking for others are very uneasy it's an intimidating place they feel that the institution is elitist I'm working to try and break down that sense of that elitism I want to put
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Jesse Eisenberg
American Actor
There's something strange about theater. My characters consistently demonize elitism, but of course it's taking place in a theater where only so many people can see it. I've been in silly popcorn movies - the kind of thing that as an actor you might feel embarrassed about - but those movies reach many more people.
Quote examples
James Fenton
British Poet
Free verse seemed democratic because it offered freedom of access to writers. And those who disdained free verse would always be open to accusations of elitism, mandarinism. Open form was like common ground on which all might graze their cattle - it was not to be closed in by usurping landlords.
Quote examples
Jordan Gavaris
Canadian Actor
As I got into middle school, I was really an outcast. But everybody was an outcast in middle school. I don't know who got the idea to put all kids going through puberty together in a school and give them academic elitism and competition and pit them against each other.
Quote examples
John Ridley
American Director
In every election cycle that I can recall, there comes a moment - or a few - where charges of elitism and claims of commonness are wielded by presidential candidates like a sword and shield: 'Vote for me 'cause I'm one of you. It's the other guy who's out of touch.
Quote examples
Alex Kapranos
Scottish Musician
Of course, there's a certain type of person who feels that anything which becomes mainstream has to be rejected immediately. And that's part of the indie-alternative snobbery and hierarchy and elitism.
Quote examples
Joshua Wong
Chinese Activist
I believe elitism in politics is over, and a new path to achieving democracy should be charted by young people who have the most at stake in the future of our city.
Quote examples
Andrew O'Hagan
Scottish Novelist
When I was growing up, there was a feeling in one's living room as much as in one's local gallery that a little elitism was good for the soul.
Quote examples
Mick Hucknall
English Singer
Wine is my passion. I'm not keen on the snobbery or elitism of wine, that's not what it's about - I just really enjoy it.
Quote examples
Quentin Tarantino
American Director
I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person lower than me. I am the audience.
Quote examples
John Waters
Director
I like the elitism of the art world. I think art for the people is a terrible idea.
Quote examples
Jesse Eisenberg
American Actor
There's something strange about theater. My characters consistently demonize elitism, but of course it's taking place in a theater where only so many people can see it. I've been in silly popcorn movies - the kind of thing that as an actor you might feel embarrassed about - but those movies reach many more people.
Quote examples
James Fenton
British Poet
Free verse seemed democratic because it offered freedom of access to writers. And those who disdained free verse would always be open to accusations of elitism, mandarinism. Open form was like common ground on which all might graze their cattle - it was not to be closed in by usurping landlords.
Quote examples
Jordan Gavaris
Canadian Actor
As I got into middle school, I was really an outcast. But everybody was an outcast in middle school. I don't know who got the idea to put all kids going through puberty together in a school and give them academic elitism and competition and pit them against each other.
Quote examples
John Ridley
American Director
In every election cycle that I can recall, there comes a moment - or a few - where charges of elitism and claims of commonness are wielded by presidential candidates like a sword and shield: 'Vote for me 'cause I'm one of you. It's the other guy who's out of touch.
Quote examples
Alex Kapranos
Scottish Musician
Of course, there's a certain type of person who feels that anything which becomes mainstream has to be rejected immediately. And that's part of the indie-alternative snobbery and hierarchy and elitism.
Quote examples
Joshua Wong
Chinese Activist
I believe elitism in politics is over, and a new path to achieving democracy should be charted by young people who have the most at stake in the future of our city.
Quote examples
Andrew O'Hagan
Scottish Novelist
When I was growing up, there was a feeling in one's living room as much as in one's local gallery that a little elitism was good for the soul.
Quote examples
Mick Hucknall
English Singer
Wine is my passion. I'm not keen on the snobbery or elitism of wine, that's not what it's about - I just really enjoy it.
Quote examples
Quentin Tarantino
American Director
I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person lower than me. I am the audience.
Quote examples
John Waters
Director
I like the elitism of the art world. I think art for the people is a terrible idea.
Example 1 of 10
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