liberal elite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumPredominantly journalistic, political, and informal polemical discourse. Often used in critical or accusatory contexts.
Quick answer
What does “liberal elite” mean?
A term used, often pejoratively, to describe a powerful, well-educated social class perceived as holding progressive or left-leaning political and cultural values, and as being disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term used, often pejoratively, to describe a powerful, well-educated social class perceived as holding progressive or left-leaning political and cultural values, and as being disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people.
Refers to a social and political stratum, often associated with professions in media, academia, the arts, and certain sectors of government or business, whose members are seen as shaping cultural norms and policy from a position of privilege and shared cosmopolitan worldview.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is equally prevalent in both varieties. In the UK, it may be more closely associated with the 'metropolitan elite' or specific London-centric institutions. In the US, it is a central term in partisan political rhetoric.
Connotations
Largely negative and pejorative in both, used to rally a base against perceived cultural and political gatekeepers. The British usage sometimes carries a tone of class-based critique, while the American usage is more explicitly polarized along partisan lines.
Frequency
Very high frequency in political commentary and opinion journalism in both regions, especially during election cycles or cultural debates.
Grammar
How to Use “liberal elite” in a Sentence
[verb] + the liberal elite (e.g., attack, blame, scorn, represent)the liberal elite + [verb] (e.g., dictates, controls, lives, preaches)adjective + liberal elite (e.g., distant, urban, powerful)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liberal elite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The columnist spent the article savaging the liberal elite for their hypocrisy.
- Politicians often seek to bash the liberal elite to win support.
American English
- The talk show host rails against the liberal elite every night.
- He accused the media of being dominated by the liberal elite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in analysis of consumer demographics or political risk.
Academic
Used critically in sociology, political science, and media studies to analyze discourse, not as an objective category.
Everyday
Common in political discussions, social media debates, and talk radio. Often used with a critical edge.
Technical
Not a technical term; its use is considered rhetorical or polemical in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liberal elite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liberal elite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liberal elite”
- Using it as a neutral, objective sociological label. / Capitalising it as a proper noun (Liberal Elite) unless at the start of a sentence. / Confusing it with 'economic elite' (which may be conservative).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively used as a pejorative term, an insult implying hypocrisy, privilege, and disconnection. It is very rarely, if ever, used as a compliment.
Typically no, as it is a label applied by critics. Someone might ironically self-identify with it, but doing so seriously would be unusual and would acknowledge the critical framing of the term.
'Elite' is a broader, more neutral term for a powerful minority in any field (business, military, etc.). 'Liberal elite' specifies a perceived cultural and political ideology (progressive, cosmopolitan) associated with that elite group.
It is overwhelmingly a term used by conservative, populist, or right-leaning commentators and politicians to criticise their progressive opponents. It is a key term in right-wing populist rhetoric.
A term used, often pejoratively, to describe a powerful, well-educated social class perceived as holding progressive or left-leaning political and cultural values, and as being disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people.
Liberal elite is usually predominantly journalistic, political, and informal polemical discourse. often used in critical or accusatory contexts. in register.
Liberal elite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪb(ə)rəl eɪˈliːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪb(ə)rəl əˈliːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ivory tower (related concept)”
- “Bubble (e.g., living in a liberal bubble)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a group of people at an expensive art gallery opening (LIBERAL views on art) who all went to ELITE universities. They are the LIBERAL ELITE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GUARDIANS/ THE BUBBLE. The elite are metaphorically seen as guardians of a fortress of correct opinion, or as living in a protective bubble isolated from mainstream reality.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'liberal elite' most likely to be used neutrally?