egalitarian

American  

[ih-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn] / ɪˌgæl ɪˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

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

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noun

1. a person who adheres to egalitarian beliefs.

egalitarian British  

/ ɪˌɡælɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

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

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noun

1. an adherent of egalitarian principles

Usage

What does egalitarian mean? Egalitarianism is a social and political philosophy promoting the equal status of all people. Something in line with this principle is described as egalitarian. Someone who espouses this principle of equality can be called an egalitarian. How is egalitarian pronounced?[ ih-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn ]What are other forms of egalitarian?egalitarianismWhat are some other words related to egalitarian?

• democracy
• equality

Other Word Forms

• antiegalitarian adjective
• egalitarianism noun

Etymology

Origin of egalitarian

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

Compare meaning

How does egalitarian compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• egalitarian vs. feminism

Explanation

An egalitarian is a person who believes in the equality of all people, and an egalitarian society gives everyone equal rights. This is a word that means something close to equality and has to do with fairness. If you believe that everyone deserves a chance to vote, go to school, get good jobs, and participate in society, then you are an egalitarian. When laws make life fairer, the law is getting more egalitarian. The opposite of an egalitarian system could be a fascist society or dictatorship. Monarchies are not egalitarian. When you see this word, think about equality and freedom.

Example Sentences

The prospect of such an egalitarian future has its detractors, especially among the leading characters pushing the technology and politics of AI acceleration, such as Peter Thiel.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

A generation that is progressive on race but not on gender will not be able to implement a fully egalitarian society.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026

And, through an egalitarian employment space, offer working class kids a route into creative industry where background may sometimes be barrier.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

As Baumgartel explained, "We believe these people were egalitarian hunter-gatherers, not subjects to some powerful chiefdom."

From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2025

There is something inherently egalitarian and liberating about the new inter-related worlds of the book and of the fact.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• democratic
• equitable