adj

elitist

ih-LEE-tihst

adj

Reflecting the belief that a small select group deserves special status or privilege.

"Critics called the members-only policy elitist."

"The school was accused of elitist admissions practices."

noun

A person who believes a select few should hold power or privilege over everyone else.

"He was branded an elitist for dismissing popular opinion outright."

How to Use Elitist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFavouring a privileged inner circle over everyone else — usually said as a criticism.

When to use it

Almost always used negatively, as an accusation rather than a neutral description.

Common pairings

elitist attitude accused of being elitist

more elitist comparative, elitists plural, most elitist superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Critics called the members-only policy _____.