elitist
elitist — adjective
1. designed or operated in a way that benefits only a small, privileged group of pe
designed or operated in a way that benefits only a small, privileged group of people — used to criticize policies, institutions, or systems that favour the wealthy or well-connected over the general public.
The university's admission policy was called elitist because it favoured wealthy applicants.
passive: be called elitist
Amani refused to join the private club, calling its membership rules deeply elitist.
collocation: deeply + elitist
Critics argue that the tax system is elitist and helps only the richest citizens.
Ishaan left the committee after calling its decision-making process elitist and undemocratic.
- exclusive
focuses on restricted access rather than privilege; can be neutral or positive
- privileged
describes the state of having advantages, less critical of the system itself
- select
positive connotation of careful choice, unlike the negative connotation of elitist
- egalitarian
treating all people equally, regardless of wealth or status
- inclusive
open and accessible to everyone, not restricted to a few
用法筆記
Subject of criticism is typically an institution, system, or policy rather than an individual person. Common in political and social commentary.
2. behaving as though other people are less important or less worthy because they l
behaving as though other people are less important or less worthy because they lack your education, social position, or wealth — often shown through the way someone speaks or treats others.
Sivan winced at her friend's elitist remarks about people who ride the bus.
collocation: elitist remarks
Karim's elitist attitude made it hard for him to make friends at the new school.
collocation: elitist attitude
Jude tried not to sound elitist when he mentioned his Ivy League education.
Camille found her neighbour's tone elitist and refused to continue the conversation.
- snobbish
very close in meaning; more about personal taste and social standing than political beliefs
- condescending
emphasises the act of talking down to others in a patronising way
- arrogant
broader term for a general belief in one's own importance, not limited to social class
- humble
modest about one's own abilities or position, not thinking you are better than others
- down-to-earth
practical and unpretentious, easy to relate to
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (SYSTEM OR INSTITUTION), this sense describes a person's behaviour or speech. Often used with linking verbs such as 'sound', 'seem', or 'come across as'.
常見錯誤
elitist — noun
1. a person who believes that power, resources, and important positions in society
a person who believes that power, resources, and important positions in society should belong to or be controlled by a small, privileged group — usually the richest or best-educated members of society.
The mayor was dismissed as an elitist who cared only about wealthy neighbourhoods.
passive: be dismissed as an elitist
During the debate, Hao called Élise an elitist when he argued that only graduates from top universities deserve government jobs.
collocation: call someone an elitist
Some voters see the senator as an elitist who only cares about corporate interests.
Christopher defended himself against charges that he was an out-of-touch elitist.
- egalitarian
someone who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all people
- populist
someone who claims to represent ordinary people against the privileged elite
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the pattern 'dismiss / label / criticise someone as an elitist'. In political discourse, the term is often used as a criticism rather than a self-description — few people call themselves elitists.