WordGarden.ioegalitarian
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪɡˌælɪtˈeəriən/
US
- /ɪˌɡæləˈtɛriən/
Meanings
Adjective
supporting or based on equal rights, status, or opportunity for all people
Noun
a person who supports equality in rights, status, or opportunity
Beyond the definition
Imagine a group of friends building a treehouse. An egalitarian approach means everyone gets a say in the design, everyone helps with the work, and no one person controls everything. It is about believing that all people are equal and deserve the same rights and chances.
The word comes from "equal," so it is easy to remember. You might describe a society as egalitarian if it tries to reduce big gaps in wealth or social rank. While perfect equality is rare, many societies aim for more egalitarian values, like fair access to education and healthcare. It is not about everyone being the same, but about treating everyone with the same respect and dignity.
The word egalitarian describes a belief in the equality of all people. It goes beyond simply acknowledging that everyone is born equal; it's an active commitment to creating systems and structures where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
An egalitarian society isn't necessarily one where everyone has the same things – recognizing individual talents and efforts is still important. Instead, it focuses on minimizing social hierarchies and ensuring that differences in wealth, status, or power don't create unfair advantages for some over others.
You might hear "egalitarian" used to describe political philosophies (like democratic socialism), social movements (fighting for equal rights), or even personal values ("She has a deeply egalitarian worldview"). It can also refer to specific policies designed to promote equality, such as progressive taxation or affirmative action programs.
Historically, the concept of egalitarianism emerged alongside critiques of rigid social hierarchies and aristocratic privilege. Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed the idea that legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed – a fundamentally egalitarian principle. Today, it remains a central ideal in many struggles for social justice and human rights.
So, when you encounter the word egalitarian, think about fairness, equality, and a commitment to creating a world where everyone is valued and respected—not just in theory, but in practice.
Examples
- 1
Society
They wanted to build a more egalitarian society after the war.
- 2
Workplace culture
The company has an egalitarian culture, so even junior staff can question senior managers.
- 3
Household
She grew up in a very egalitarian household, where chores were shared equally.
- 4
Training approach
The new coach takes an egalitarian approach to training and gives every player a chance to speak.
- Patternan egalitarian approach to + activity/system
a way of doing it that tries to treat people as equals
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Pay and education
Compared with its neighbors, the country is relatively egalitarian in terms of pay and education.
See also
Similar
- democratic
- equalitarian
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- egalitarian society
- egalitarian values
- egalitarian principles
- egalitarian approach
Word family
Explore
- equality
- social justice
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- egalitariannounadjective
Forms
- egalitarianspluralnounadjective