adjective

egalitarian

i-gal-i-TAIR-ee-uhn

Egalitarian (adjective) means Based on the principle that all people are of equal worth and should have equal rights and opportunities. Example: “They founded the school on strictly egalitarian lines.”

adjective

Based on the principle that all people are of equal worth and should have equal rights and opportunities.

"They founded the school on strictly egalitarian lines."

"Nordic countries are often held up as egalitarian societies."

noun

A person who believes that everyone should be treated as equals and have the same rights.

"As a lifelong egalitarian, she refused any title."

How to Use Egalitarian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBelieving everyone should be treated as equals.

When to use it

Formal; common in political and social commentary.

Memory tip

The noun for the belief itself is egalitarianism: 'her egalitarianism showed in how she ran the office'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

elitist → utilitarian

Common pairings

egalitarian society deeply egalitarian egalitarian principles egalitarian ideal

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They founded the school on strictly _____ lines.

Etymology

From French égalitaire, from égal 'equal', from Latin aequalis.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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equal classless democratic level equalitarian democrat leveller

Antonyms

hierarchical elitist stratified

Related Words

even same point level story stage match straight

Rhymes for egalitarian

Asian avian Brian Fabian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between egalitarian and socialist?

Egalitarian names a goal — equality of worth, rights or outcomes — without saying how to reach it. Socialism is one specific programme for getting there, based on collective ownership. You can be an egalitarian and reject socialism entirely.

Does egalitarian mean everyone gets the same?

Not necessarily. Egalitarians differ over what should be equalised: some argue for equal opportunity and equal treatment under the law, others for a more equal distribution of income or wealth. The shared commitment is equal moral standing, not identical outcomes.

How do you pronounce egalitarian?

i-gal-i-TAIR-ee-uhn, with the main stress on 'tair'. The opening is a short unstressed 'i', as in 'again', not a long 'ee'.

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