What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snob
Example
She's such a snob, always talking about her expensive clothes and fancy vacations. [snob: noun]
Example
He snobbishly dismissed the idea of eating at a fast-food restaurant. [snobbishly: adverb]
elitist
Example
The club had a reputation for being elitist, only admitting members with a certain level of wealth and influence. [elitist: adjective]
Example
She was accused of being an elitist for her comments about the working class. [elitist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snob is more common than elitist in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of situations. Elitist is more commonly used in academic or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snob and elitist?
Both snob and elitist are generally considered informal terms, but elitist may be seen as more formal due to its association with academic or political discourse.
