What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elitist
Example
The politician was accused of being an elitist who only cared about the interests of the wealthy. [elitist: noun]
Example
The country club had an elitist membership policy that excluded people who couldn't afford the high fees. [elitist: adjective]
snob
Example
She's such a snob, she won't even talk to people who don't have a college degree. [snob: noun]
Example
He acted like a snob at the party, refusing to eat anything that wasn't imported from France. [snob: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snob is more commonly used than elitist in everyday language. Snob is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while elitist is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elitist and snob?
Elitist is generally considered a more formal word than snob. It is often used in academic or political discourse to describe policies or systems that favor the wealthy or privileged. Snob, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in everyday conversation to describe a person's behavior or attitude.