digerati: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, journalistic, tech jargon
Quick answer
What does “digerati” mean?
People who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, or influential in the field of digital technology and the internet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
People who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, or influential in the field of digital technology and the internet.
An elite group of individuals, often thought leaders, innovators, and experts, who shape digital culture, tech policy, and online trends.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in both varieties but originates from and is more frequently used in American tech journalism.
Connotations
Slightly ironic or knowing; can be used to describe a perceived 'in-crowd' or tech elite.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use but established within tech, business, and media circles. Slightly more common in US sources.
Grammar
How to Use “digerati” in a Sentence
[The/Those/These] + digerati + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in articles analysing tech industry leadership and trends.
Academic
Rare; more likely in media studies or sociology papers on digital culture.
Everyday
Very rare; would be used knowingly by tech enthusiasts.
Technical
Used in tech journalism and commentary, not in programming/engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digerati”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digerati”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digerati”
- Misspelling as 'digirati'. Using it to refer to any tech worker rather than an influential insider.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and journalistic, originating in the 1990s tech media.
It is primarily a plural collective noun (like 'literati'). To refer to one member, you would say 'a member of the digerati'.
No. 'Geek/nerd' connotes deep technical passion/skill, while 'digerati' connotes cultural influence, authority, and often a public profile within the tech sphere.
There's no direct antonym, but 'technophobe' (someone afraid of technology) or 'luddite' (someone opposed to new technology) are conceptual opposites.
People who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, or influential in the field of digital technology and the internet.
Digerati: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.əˈrɑː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.əˈrɑː.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The digital literati”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DIGital + liteRATI. The digital version of the literary elite.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFLUENCE IS A WEAPON/TOOL (wielded by an elite class).
Practice
Quiz
What does the term 'digerati' specifically imply?