elitist

Looks down condescendingly

Elitist describes someone who believes certain people deserve more power, influence, or resources based on superior ability, education, or status.

The word is almost always pejorative, accusing someone of looking down on ordinary people: His elitist attitude alienated voters.

As a noun, an elitist is a person who holds such views.

The related noun elite refers to a select group at the top of a hierarchy—elitist suggests excessive devotion to that group or contempt for those outside it.

attitude

snobbish

Condescending toward perceived inferiors

haughtyDisdainfully proud
condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
disdainfulShowing open contempt

supercilious · arrogant · pompous · smug · scornful · contemptuous · imperious · overbearing · patronizing · dismissive

class

aristocratic

Of hereditary nobility

patricianHighborn Roman elite
blue bloodAristocratic descent
old moneyLong-established family fortune

upper crust · high society · nobility · gentry · bourgeois · landed · pedigree · highborn · titled · plutocratic

discrimination

classism

Prejudice by economic rank

snobberyPretentious social superiority
prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
biasUnfair inclination or prejudice

inequality · favoritism · nepotism · exclusion · stratification · hierarchy · meritocracy · credentialism · technocracy · gatekeeping

exclusivity

members-only

Restricted to enrolled participants

gatedHaving a barrier entrance
VIPNotable, for short
privateRestricted to certain parties

country club · velvet rope · inner circle · old boys club · ivory tower · enclave · clique · in-crowd · closed-door · invite-only

taste

refined

Purified or cultured

discerningHaving keen judgment
cultivatedImproved through nurture
sophisticatedWorldly and cultured

connoisseur · highbrow · rarefied · aesthetic · cultured · fastidious · particular · discriminating · exacting · gourmet

elitist

snobbish

aristocratic

classism

members-only

refined

elitist

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family