Meanings
Calque of French tour d’ivoire, based on a biblical phrase,[1] coined by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve to compare the poet Alfred de Vigny (more isolated) with Victor Hugo (more socially engaged).[2][3]
How to pronounce "ivory tower":
US
AU
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
Example: "Such a proposal looks fine from an ivory tower, but it could never work in real life."
Separated from reality and practical matters; overly academic.
Example Sentences
1
She lived in an ivory tower, completely detached from the struggles of working-class people.
2
The professor's writing was esoteric, only comprehensible within the ivory tower of academia.
3
The politician seemed out of touch, making decisions from their ivory tower without understanding the reality on the ground.
4
The company's executives were accused of making decisions from their ivory tower, without considering the opinions of their employees.
5
Some critics argue that universities have become ivory towers, prioritizing research over real-world impact.
