elitism
/eɪˈliːtɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /eɪˈliːtɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈlē-ˌti-zəm ē- ā-/ (ame, mw)
elitism — noun
1. the idea that certain opportunities, activities, or cultural things should be ke
the idea that certain opportunities, activities, or cultural things should be kept for a small group seen as especially talented, educated, or refined
Many parents criticized the school's elitism in its expensive dress code.
elitism in + institution / rule
The club's strict guest policy gave the event an air of elitism.
collocation: an air of elitism
Reviewers accused the museum of elitism after it raised ticket prices.
Some voters saw elitism in the candidate's jokes about ordinary jobs.
- exclusiveness
can be more neutral, focusing simply on limiting access
- snobbery
stresses rude social superiority more than institutional exclusion
- gatekeeping
focuses on controlling who gets admitted to a group or activity
- inclusiveness
an attitude of making people from different backgrounds feel welcome
- openness
emphasizes access and willingness to include others
用法筆記
Often used to criticize rules, tastes, or institutions that seem to welcome only educated, wealthy, or socially privileged people. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about a system of power rather than an exclusionary attitude.
常見錯誤
2. a social or political arrangement in which a small elite group keeps most power
a social or political arrangement in which a small elite group keeps most power and influence over important decisions
Critics warned that the reform would deepen elitism in national politics.
elitism in + politics / system
The party was attacked for elitism after senior figures ignored local members.
Students protested against elitism in a university system run by a few donors.
At the hearing, expert panels replaced local voices, and residents called it elitism.
- oligarchy
more specific political term for rule by a small powerful group
- technocracy
focuses on control by technical experts rather than elites in general
- establishment rule
emphasizes dominance by already powerful insiders
- democracy
power is meant to come broadly from the people
- popular participation
stresses wide involvement in decisions and public life
用法筆記
Common in discussions of politics, education, and public institutions. This sense focuses on decision-making power staying with a small top group, not just on people's attitude toward others.
3. the attitude of feeling more important or more valuable than other people becaus
the attitude of feeling more important or more valuable than other people because you belong to a high-status group
Professor Eli's quiet elitism made junior staff afraid to share ideas.
elitism shown in behaviour toward others
Guests noticed a hint of elitism in Roya's dismissive smile.
a hint of elitism
After winning the prize, the singer spoke with surprising elitism about local bands.
Several friends left dinner early because of the host's elitism.
- snobbery
focuses on looking down on people seen as less stylish or refined
- arrogance
broader word for acting superior, without the elite-status idea
- superiority
describes the feeling of being above others, often more abstractly
用法筆記
Often refers to how someone speaks, behaves, or treats people rather than to an official policy. Distinguish from sense 1, which limits access, and sense 2, which is about elite control of a system.