elitist

elitist — 形容詞

1. designed or operated in a way that benefits only a small, privileged group of pe

1.形容詞B2
釋義

菁英主義的

只服務少數特權階層的制度

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.

例句

The university's admission policy was called elitist because it favoured wealthy applicants.

這所大學的入學政策被批評為菁英主義的，因為它偏袒有錢的申請者。

passive: be called elitist

Amani refused to join the private club, calling its membership rules deeply elitist.

Amani 拒絕加入這間私人俱樂部，稱其會員規定極具菁英主義色彩。

collocation: deeply + elitist

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

2.形容詞B2
釋義

高傲的

自認比他人優越的態度

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.

例句

Sivan winced at her friend's elitist remarks about people who ride the bus.

朋友對搭公車的人說出高傲的評論，讓 Sivan 聽了很不舒服。

collocation: elitist remarks

Karim's elitist attitude made it hard for him to make friends at the new school.

Karim 的高傲態度讓他在新學校很難交到朋友。

collocation: elitist attitude

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌My cousin is elitist because she only buys organic food.' (meaning 'snobbish about personal taste')
✅My cousin is snobbish because she only buys organic food.
💡'elitist' carries a political or social-hierarchy belief; for personal lifestyle preferences, 'snobbish' is more natural.

elitist — 名詞