elite

or é·lite

[ ih-leet, ey-leet ]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the choicest or best of anything considered collectively, especially of a group or class of people:

   The elite of the contemporary art scene were all represented at the gallery.

2. (used with a plural verb)
   1. people of the highest financial or social level of society:

      Only the elite received invites to the event.

   2. a group of people exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group:

      The scandal involved most members of the political party's power elite.

3. a member of a group of people who have a great deal of power, influence, or social capital:

   The elites don't care about ordinary people's problems.

4. a type, widely used in typewriters, that is approximately 10-point in size and has 12 characters to the inch. Compare pica ¹.

adjective

1. representing the choicest or most select; best:

   The program is taught by an elite group of authors.

elite

/ ɪˈliːt; eɪ- /

noun

1. sometimes functioning as plural the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc
2. Also calledtwelve pitch a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive

Other Words From

• an·ti·e·lite noun adjective
• non·e·lite noun
• su·per·e·lite noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elite¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English elit “a person elected to office,” from Middle French e(s)lit, past participle of e(s)lire “to choose”; elect

Word History and Origins

Origin of elite¹

C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin ēligere to elect

Example Sentences

For anyone planning on doing any baking, you may be ferociously Googling and flipping through baking cookbooks to ensure you've thoroughly prepared to make an array of elite pies.

From Salon

The ECB said this "strikes an appropriate balance by ensuring fairness in the elite game while ensuring inclusivity at a recreational level".

From BBC

This ushers in a new set of elites, still white, but with a disdain for neoliberal institutions that no longer serve their purpose.

From Salon

Official media call them "heroes," and President Vladimir Putin has dubbed them Russia's new "elite".

From BBC

Abkhazia was historically known as a holiday destination for the Soviet elite, and since being recognised by Moscow and its allies, has maintained a Russian presence.

From BBC

Related Words

• exclusive
• silk-stocking