elitist

Group 14Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Relating to or favoring a select group considered superior
GRE

Example in Context

Critics called the admission policy elitist, arguing that it systematically disadvantaged students from lower-income backgrounds.

Synonyms

snobbyexclusivesuperior

Etymology

One who favors the chosen, believing in their superiority.

  • elite (French) — chosen
  • -ist (Greek) — one who practices

Memory Aid

🐍Sounds like “eel eatist

An eel wearing a tuxedo, declaring himself the EELITIST of the sea, only associating with the finest fish!

Visual Association

🏆A posh party where only the fanciest fish flaunt their trophies, looking down on the common pond dwellers.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “elitist” mean on the GRE?

elitist (adjective) means “Relating to or favoring a select group considered superior”. Critics called the admission policy elitist, arguing that it systematically disadvantaged students from lower-income backgrounds.

How to remember “elitist” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “elitist” sounds like “eel eatist”. An eel wearing a tuxedo, declaring himself the EELITIST of the sea, only associating with the finest fish!

What are synonyms for “elitist”?

Common synonyms: snobby, exclusive, superior.