inegalitarian
UK[ˌɪnɪˌɡælɪˈteəriən]US[ˌɪnɪˌɡælɪˈteriən]
adj
Opposing or not based on the principle of equality for all people; characterized by or promoting inequality.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
egalitarian
in
not
egalitarian
believing in equality
Etymology
The word 'inegalitarian' is a modern English formation, constructed by adding the common Latin negative prefix 'in-' to the existing term 'egalitarian'. 'Egalitarian' itself entered English from French in the late 19th century, deriving from the French word égal, meaning "equal", which has its roots in the Latin aequalis. The Latin aequalis stems from aequus, meaning "level, even, just". Therefore, the etymological logic of 'inegalitarian' is transparently built on negation: it literally describes a philosophy or system that is "not equal" or "not characterized by equality," directly opposing the ideals of egalitarianism.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + egalitarian (believing in equality)
- in: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not" or "without". It functions as a negative particle.
- egalitarian: An adjective of French origin (from égalitaire, based on égal "equal"), meaning "believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities". It functions as the core lexical base.
Examples
The society was criticized for its deeply inegalitarian distribution of wealth and resources.
He argued that such a tax policy would have an inegalitarian effect, favoring the wealthy.
The movement sought to dismantle the inegalitarian structures of the old regime.