What does elitist mean?
An elitist is someone who believes that society ought to be guided by a select group of superior individuals — whether defined by wealth, education, talent, or taste — or, more loosely, anyone regarded as aloof or condescending toward ordinary people. As an adjective, 'elitist' describes attitudes, institutions, or practices that favour such a restricted circle: an elitist university admissions policy, an elitist art world, an elitist disdain for popular culture. The word carries a strongly negative charge in everyday use, functioning as a common accusation in political rhetoric, where calling an opponent 'elitist' suggests they are out of touch with ordinary concerns. Yet it can also be applied more dispassionately, as in sociology, where elitism names a neutral theory about how power is actually distributed. Deriving from the French 'élite' ('the chosen'), the term entered widespread English use only in the twentieth century, but the idea it captures — tension between the few and the many — is far older than the word itself.
A person who believes that a society should be ruled or dominated by an elite, or who displays an attitude of superiority associated with membership in such a group.
"Detractors portrayed him as an elitist who had no patience for ordinary voters."
Almost always pejorative when applied to a specific person.
Relating to, supporting, or characteristic of the belief in dominance by an elite; catering for or appealing to a small, privileged group rather than the general public.
"The critics called the festival elitist, noting that ticket prices excluded most local residents."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple people holding elitist views.
"The reformers argued that the board was controlled by elitists out of touch with the community."
Though 'elitism' sounds like an ancient concept, the word 'elitist' only emerged in the 20th century — modern politics gave this old idea its name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elitist
The word 'elitist' derives from 'elite', which comes from the French 'élite', meaning 'the chosen' or 'selection', from the Old French 'eslite', the feminine past participle of 'elire' ('to choose, elect'), ultimately from Latin 'eligere'. While 'elite' itself entered English in the seventeenth century, the derived forms 'elitism' and 'elitist' are much later coinages, becoming established in English during the twentieth century as political and sociological vocabulary developed to describe rule by a select few. Related words from the same Latin root include 'elect', 'eligible', and 'select'.
How elitist is actually used
Often used pejoratively in political and cultural criticism to accuse a person, institution, or idea of being exclusive, out of touch, or dismissive of ordinary people. In neutral contexts (e.g. sociology), it can simply describe systems where a small group holds power. The adjective is considerably more frequent than the noun.
Easily confused with elitist
'Elite' refers to the select group itself, while 'elitist' describes a person who favors or embodies elite dominance or an attitude of superiority.