elitism
noun C2
Plain meaning
the belief or system that favours a small privileged group
Exam-register meaning
a social or institutional preference for elite groups, often at the expense of equal access
In context
generalSome parents think the admissions process encourages elitism.
examCritics argue that high tuition fees reinforce elitism in higher education.
Common collocations
academic elitismaccusations of elitismreinforce elitism
Watch out
Do not use 'elitism' to mean simply 'excellence'. It often has a negative social meaning.
Word family
elite (noun/adjective)elitist (noun/adjective)elitism (noun)