Elite
/eɪˈliːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA select group of people, superior in terms of abilities or qualities.
/eɪˈliːt/
A group or class of people seen as superior to others because of their intelligence, power, wealth, or skill.
The country's elite enjoyed luxurious lifestyles.
💡 Simply: Imagine the best of the best! Like the top students in the class, the most skilled athletes, or the richest people in the world. 'Elite' means they are the best of the bunch.
👶 For kids: The best people at something, like the smartest kids in school or the best players on a sports team.
More Examples
The conference was attended by an elite group of scientists.
She belongs to the intellectual elite of the city.
How It's Used
"The nation's elite gathered for the annual gala."
"The political elite often make decisions that benefit themselves."
"Only the elite athletes qualified for the Olympics."
Superior in quality or position; the best.
/eɪˈliːt/
Representing the best or most select.
She attends an elite private school.
💡 Simply: When something's 'elite,' it means it's top-notch, the absolute best. Like an 'elite' school is the most prestigious and exclusive. It’s all about being the best!
👶 For kids: The best of the best! Like the most special and awesome.
More Examples
He's a member of the elite special forces unit.
The club has an elite membership policy.
How It's Used
"The elite universities attract the brightest students."
"The army's elite forces were deployed to the war zone."
"The team trains at an elite sports academy."
Idioms & expressions
Elite circle
A group of influential people.
"He moved in an elite circle of politicians."
From French élite, from Old French eslite, past participle of élire 'to elect, choose', from Latin eligere 'to choose out'.
The term 'elite' gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in sociological and political discourse, particularly in the context of theories about power structures.