cultural elite

Meanings

1. 1nounusually singular

   The small group of people who have the most influence over art, ideas, and taste in a society.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the': the cultural elite. It can be followed by a plural verb in British English (the elite are) or a singular verb in American English (the elite is).

   Patterns

   • the cultural elite
   • a member of the cultural elite
   • criticize the cultural elite

   The cultural elite in the capital decides which new novels get reviewed.

   Many voters feel that the cultural elite looks down on their way of life.

   She moved easily among the cultural elite of Paris and Berlin.

2. 2nounusually singularapproving

   The most respected and powerful people in the arts and media, considered as a group.

   Grammar: Can be used approvingly to mean the leading figures in culture, not just a powerful clique.

   Patterns

   • join the cultural elite
   • the cultural elite of a country

   The award ceremony brought together the cultural elite of the country.

   He was welcomed into the cultural elite after his film won at Cannes.

Common combinations

the cultural elite

The cultural elite has enormous power over what we read and watch.

a member of the cultural elite

As a member of the cultural elite, she was invited to every important opening.

criticize the cultural elite

The politician criticized the cultural elite for being out of touch.

join the cultural elite

After her bestseller, she joined the cultural elite almost overnight.

the cultural elite of

The cultural elite of the city gathered at the museum gala.

Synonyms and how they differ

intelligentsia

This means the educated, thinking class, especially in politics and the arts; it is more formal and often used about Eastern Europe or revolutionary periods.

establishment

This is broader: it includes political and business leaders as well as cultural ones, and it often suggests a powerful, self-protecting group.

chattering classes

This is a disapproving British term for journalists, academics, and others who talk about ideas; it is more mocking and less neutral than 'cultural elite'.

Opposites

Word family

elite noun

The most powerful or best people in a group or society.

elitist adjective

Believing that a small group of people should have more power or importance.

cultural adjective

Relating to art, ideas, and the way of life of a society.

Commonly confused: cultural elite or counterculture?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “cultural elite”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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