anti-elitism
|an-ti-e-li-tism|
/ˌæn.ti ɪˈlɪt.ɪ.zəm/
against elites
Etymology
'anti-elitism' originates from modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'elitism' (from French 'élite', ultimately from Latin 'eligere').
'elitism' changed from French 'élite' (meaning 'the chosen'), which derives from Latin 'eligere' ('to choose'); the compound 'anti-elitism' developed in modern English by combining 'anti-' + 'elitism'.
Initially, roots related to 'élite' meant 'the chosen' or 'select'; over time 'elitism' came to mean belief in rule or superiority of an elite, and 'anti-elitism' came to mean opposition to that belief or to elite dominance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to elitism; the belief, sentiment, or political stance against elites, elitist attitudes, or elite-dominated institutions.
Her speeches emphasized anti-elitism, criticizing how political decisions were made by a small group of elites.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/15 20:57