Definition

Noun: 1. The trait of condescending to those of lower social status: Snobbism is the characteristic behavior or attitude of a snob. It involves believing that one's own tastes, social class, or knowledge are superior and looking down on or treating with contempt those perceived as inferior.

Usage

• Snobbism is an uncountable noun used to describe a general attitude or quality.
• It is often used in social and cultural criticism to describe elitist behavior.
• It can be modified by adjectives like "cultural," "intellectual," or "social."

Examples

• The exclusive club was known for its atmosphere of snobbism and exclusivity.
• Her snobbism prevented her from enjoying popular films or music.
• He criticized the snobbism often found in academic circles.

Advanced Usage

• "Cultural snobbism": A condescending attitude towards popular culture or the tastes of the general public.
  • His refusal to watch any television show was pure cultural snobbism.
• "Intellectual snobbism": Looking down on others for their lack of education or for holding different, less sophisticated opinions.
  • The debate was marred by a tone of intellectual snobbism.

Variants and Related Words

• Snob (n): A person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and looks down on those considered inferior.
• Snobby (adj): Characteristic of or resembling a snob.
• Snobbish (adj): Having the character of a snob. This is the most common adjective form.
• Snobbishness (n): The quality of being snobbish. This is a direct synonym for "snobbism."

Synonyms

• Snobbishness: The quality of being snobbish.
• Elitism: The belief that a society or system should be led by an elite.
• Condescension: An attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain.
• Haughtiness: The appearance or quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful.

Antonyms

• Humility: A modest or low view of one's own importance.
• Modesty: The quality of being unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities.
• Egalitarianism: The doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Noun

1. the trait of condescending to those of lower social status