Elitist

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪˈliːtɪst/

Definitions

1. Someone who believes that a select group of people with superior qualities, abilities, or status should have greater influence or privilege in society
2. An individual who favors the preferential treatment of a chosen elite over the general populace and believes in their inherent superiority to others
3. A person who advocates for the dominance of a socially or intellectually superior group, believing they should hold more power than the average individual in society

Etymology: The adjective in question emerged in the early 20th century, shaped by social and political discussions surrounding class, privilege, and power. It derives from the noun "elite," which itself entered English in the late 18th century from the French word "élite," meaning "chosen" or "select." The French term originated from the Latin "eligere," meaning "to choose," highlighting a sense of selectivity or superiority. The suffix "-ist" was added to "elite" to form a word describing someone who advocates for, belongs to, or embodies the elite class. This suffix often turns nouns into adjectives or nouns that denote a person associated with a particular belief or system. Thus, the resulting adjective conveys an association with exclusivity or a belief in the superiority of a select group. Initially, the term was often used in political and sociological contexts to describe attitudes or policies favoring a minority considered superior by virtue of wealth, education, or status. Over time, it has taken on a somewhat pejorative sense, used to criticize those perceived as condescending or dismissive toward the broader population. Though the root "elite" centers on the idea of being chosen or superior, the adjective built from it emphasizes the social dynamics and tensions between groups, reflecting ongoing debates about equality and privilege in modern societies.

Synonyms: snobbish, exclusive, aristocratic

Antonyms: egalitarian, inclusive