egalitarian

[ ih-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, economic, or social life.

noun

1. a person who adheres to egalitarian beliefs.

egalitarian

/ ɪˌɡælɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or upholding the doctrine of the equality of mankind and the desirability of political, social, and economic equality

noun

1. an adherent of egalitarian principles

Derived Forms

• eˌgaliˈtarianˌism, noun

Other Words From

• e·gali·tari·an·ism noun
• anti·e·gali·tari·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of egalitarian¹

First recorded in 1880–85; alteration of equalitarian with French égal replacing equal

Word History and Origins

Origin of egalitarian¹

C19: alteration of equalitarian, through influence of French égal equal

Example Sentences

Both women show the radical possibilities of reimagining liberalism as a tradition that takes seriously the plight of women in seeking to articulate a better way to achieve America’s highest egalitarian potential.

From Salon

They also have what psychologists call a social dominance orientation — a preference for hierarchical rather than egalitarian relationships between groups.

From Salon

He was proud to have grown up in a council house, educated in Scotland's distinctly egalitarian school system built on the Kirk's traditions.

From BBC

“But it wasn’t socialistic in the sense that I don't think it was successful in, in spreading the wealth. But I don’t think any urban renewal, or any urban reclamation, that I'm familiar with in the city, has ever been egalitarian.”

From BBC

Open Cup, the oldest national soccer competition in the country and the most egalitarian since it’s the only one open to every men’s team at every level.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• democratic
• equitable