3 syllables: E, li, tist. Stress on li.
ay-LEE-tist
/eɪˈlitɪst/
Elitist is pronounced ay-LEE-tist (/eɪˈlitɪst/). It has three syllables (E-li-tist), with the stress on "li". Elitist is an adjective describing attitudes or behaviors that favor elite groups or individuals, often implying disdain for those considered outside that group. It conveys a sense of exclusivity and superiority, and is typically used to critique social or cultural hierarchies. The term frequently appears in discussions of class, education, and taste, signaling judgment about who belongs.
adjectiveElitist is an adjective describing attitudes or behaviors that favor elite groups or individuals, often implying disdain for those considered outside that group. It conveys a sense of exclusivity and superiority, and is typically used to critique social or cultural hierarchies. The term frequently appears in discussions of class, education, and taste, signaling judgment about who belongs.
How to Pronounce Elitist
"Some critics labeled the boutique gym as elitist because it catered to celebrities and affluent clients."
"Her elitist attitude made it hard for her to relate to classmates from different backgrounds."
"The restaurant’s elitist dress code discouraged casual diners."
Pronounce as /ɪˈliːtɪst/. The stress falls on the second syllable: eh-LEE-tist. Start with a short 'i' as in 'kit', then a long 'ee' as in 'see', followed by a soft 't' and a final 'ist'. Use a light, crisp 'l' and ensure the lips round slightly for the /iː/ vowel. For audio reference, you can compare to common pronunciation channels or dictionary audio sources that demonstrate /ɪˈliːtɪst/ across regions.
Common errors: 1) Dropping the second syllable stress or misplacing stress on the first syllable (saying e-LIT-ist). 2) Lengthening the first vowel too much or mispronouncing /iː/ as /ɪ/ (saying eh-l-i-tist). 3) Weakening the final -st or blending it with the preceding consonant (making it 'elitis' or 'elit' ). Correction: maintain the secondary syllable stress on -i- as /ɪˈliː-/ and clearly pronounce the /t/ plus final /ɪst/. Practice with minimal pairs and rhythm drills.
US: /ɪˈliːtɪst/ with rhoticity; the /r/ is not involved here, but vowel quality tends toward a clear /iː/. UK: /ɪˈliːtɪst/ with somewhat tighter vowel duration and slightly crisper final /st/. AU: /ɪˈliːtɪst/ often with a more centralized or flattened vowel before the /t/, and a quicker transition to the /t/; the final /st/ may feel slightly softened in connected speech. All share stress on the second syllable; listen for the long /iː/ in the second syllable.
Challenges include the long /iː/ in the second syllable and the final cluster /st/, which requires precise tongue-tap or alveolar stop before /t/. The preceding /t/ can devoice when followed by /ɪst/ in fast speech, so you might hear a clipped ending. Additionally, the initial vowel is quick, so beginners may misplace the primary stress. Focus on maintaining steady tempo: i-LEE-tist with a clean /t/ before the final /ɪst/.
Elitist hinges on two tight contrasts: the /liː/ versus the shorter /ɪ/ in unstressed syllables and the /t/ + /st/ cluster at the end. The /ɪ/ in the second syllable is short, while the /iː/ is long; keeping this distinction is key. Also ensure the first syllable is unstressed and quick, so the word has a natural i-LEE-tist rhythm. IPA perspective: /ɪˈliːtɪst/; pay attention to vowel length and the crisp alveolar stop before final /st/.
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US vs UK vs AU: - Vowels: US typically has a slightly flatter /iː/; UK often a crisper, more clipped /ˈliːtɪst/ with precise /t/; AU tends to be slightly broader with a lighter /ɪ/; ensure you keep the /ɪ/ in the final syllables clear. - Rhythm: All share i-LEE-tist; ensure the rhythm emphasizes the second syllable with stress and a brief pause before it in careful speech. - Consonants: /t/ is voiceless, crisp; final /st/ cluster should be audible in all variants. IPA references: US /ɪˈliːtɪst/, UK /ɪˈliːtɪst/, AU /ɪˈliːtɪst/. - Tips: US speakers may lengthen the second vowel slightly; UK speakers may have a stronger release on /t/; AU speakers may have a more centralized /ɪ/ before /st/.
Elitist derives from the noun elite, which traces to the Latin eligere ‘to choose, select.’ The suffix -ist indicates a person who practices or believes in something. Elite entered English in the 19th century, meaning a select group of superior individuals. The adjective elitist appeared in the late 19th to early 20th century to describe attitudes or practices attributed to this select class, not just the group itself. Over time, elitist broadened from labeling a group as elite to characterizing the mindset or behavior that presumes superiority, often with negative connotations in social critique. This evolution mirrors changing discussions about class, culture, and meritocracy, where the idea of “elite” can be both a factual descriptor and a value judgment. Historically, the term has been employed in politics, education, arts, and media to critique gatekeeping, preferential treatment, and exclusionary practices. First known uses appear in academic or satirical writing, where authors contrasted elitist attitudes with inclusive or egalitarian ideals. In contemporary usage, elitist frequently appears in debates about accessibility, social capital, and cultural capital, underscoring tensions between merit-based advancement and open participation.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Elitist" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Elitist"
-ist sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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