What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
classist
Example
Her comments about people from lower-income backgrounds were clearly classist. [classist: adjective]
Example
He displayed classist behavior by refusing to associate with anyone who wasn't from an upper-class background. [classist: noun]
elitist
Example
The club's strict membership criteria made it seem elitist and exclusive. [elitist: adjective]
Example
She was accused of being an elitist because she only associated with people from prestigious universities. [elitist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elitist is more commonly used than classist in everyday language. Elitist is a term that is often used to criticize individuals or systems that prioritize exclusivity and privilege. On the other hand, classist is less commonly used but is still relevant in discussions about social inequality and discrimination based on social class.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between classist and elitist?
Both classist and elitist can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, elitist may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with privilege and exclusivity.
