exclusivists
|ex-clus-iv-ists|
/ɪkˈskluː.sɪ.vɪsts/
(exclusivist)
shutting others out
Etymology
'exclusivist' originates from Modern English, specifically from the word 'exclusive' plus the agentive suffix '-ist', where 'exclusive' comes from Latin roots meaning 'to shut out' and the suffix '-ist' denotes a person who practices or is concerned with something.
'exclusive' changed from Latin 'excludere' (ex- 'out' + claudere/cludere 'to shut') into Old French forms (e.g. 'exclure') and then into Middle/Modern English as 'exclusive'; 'exclusivist' was formed in English by adding '-ist' to 'exclusive' to denote a person who practices exclusivity.
Initially related to the idea 'to shut out' or 'to exclude,' it evolved into the adjective 'exclusive' meaning 'restrictive or limited to a group,' and then into 'exclusivist' meaning 'a person who favors or practices exclusion.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
people who practice or advocate exclusion of others from a group or community; those who are intolerant of differing opinions or who refuse to admit or include others.
Exclusivists refused to cooperate with the new committee because they distrusted its members.
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Noun 2
specifically in religious or ideological contexts, people who believe only one doctrine, faith, or viewpoint is true and deny the validity or value of others.
Religious exclusivists argue that only their tradition can provide the correct answers to spiritual questions.
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Adjective 1
characterized by excluding others; favoring or promoting exclusion or restriction of access or membership.
Exclusivists in the organization pushed for exclusivist policies that limited membership.
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Last updated: 2026/01/10 09:02