Elitism is the belief or notion that individuals who form an elite, a select group of people perceived as having an intrinsic quality, high intellect, wealth, power, notability, special skills, or experience, are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole, and therefore deserve influence or authority greater than that of others. The term elitism may be used to describe a situation in which power is concentrated in the hands of a limited number of people. Beliefs that are in opposition to elitism include egalitarianism, anti-intellectualism, populism, and the political theory of pluralism.

Elitists tend to favor social systems such as meritocracy, technocracy, and plutocracy as opposed to political egalitarianism and populism. They believe that only a few "movers and shakers" truly change society, rather than the majority of people who only vote and elect the elites into power. However, elitism can not be entirely defined in one nature, and its interpretations broaden over time and communities or groups can create their own interpretations of elitism.

In summary, elitism is a belief or notion that a select group of people with certain qualities or characteristics are more likely to be constructive to society as a whole and deserve greater influence or authority than others. It is often associated with the concentration of power in the hands of a limited number of people and is opposed by beliefs such as egalitarianism, anti-intellectualism, populism, and pluralism.