Word: egalitarian (adjective, sometimes noun)

Associations

The word "egalitarian" relates to the idea of equality, especially in social, political, or economic contexts. It describes beliefs, systems, or people that support equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Examples:

• An egalitarian society is one where all people have the same rights and chances, regardless of their background.
• She has an egalitarian view on education, believing every child should have access to the same quality of schooling.
• The political party promotes egalitarian policies to reduce income inequality.

Synonym: "equalitarian" is similar but less common. The main difference is that "egalitarian" is widely used in social and political discussions, while "equalitarian" is rarely used.

Substitution

Instead of "egalitarian," you could say:

• equal (but "equal" is more general and less about social systems)
• fair (focuses more on justice or fairness, not always about equality)
• democratic (in some cases, but democratic relates more to governance than equality itself)

Deconstruction

• Root: "equal" – meaning the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
• Suffix: "-itarian" – from Latin, used to form nouns or adjectives relating to people or principles (like humanitarian). So, "egalitarian" literally means a person or principle related to equality.

Inquiry

• Can you think of examples in your country or community where people try to be egalitarian?
• How would an egalitarian approach affect schools, workplaces, or governments?
• Do you think it is always possible or easy to be egalitarian? Why or why not?