a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society, a group or class of people seen as having the greatest power and influence within a society, especially because of their wealth or privilege

elite company, elite group, elite level

the elite few, elite athlete, elite education

Formal and Informal Expressions of elite

In different contexts, you can replace 'elite' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'privileged, aristocracy' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cream of the crop, top dogs' is a commonplace synonym.

elite: Explore its Definition & Usage

elite Definition

1a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society
2a group or class of people seen as having the greatest power and influence within a society, especially because of their wealth or privilege

Using elite: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "elite" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The elite of the business world gathered at the conference.
Example
She was part of the intellectual elite at the university.
Example
The country's political elite controls most of the wealth and power.
Example
The school only accepts students from the academic elite.

elite Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for elite

aristocracy
nobility
privileged
upper class
cream of the crop

Antonyms for elite

commoners
masses

Idioms Using elite

elite company
a group of people who are the best or most successful in their field
Example
She was in elite company when she won the award.
elite group
a small group of people who are the best or most powerful in a larger group
Example
The elite group of scientists made a groundbreaking discovery.
elite level
the highest level of achievement or performance in a particular field
Example
She reached the elite level of her sport after years of training.

Phrases with elite

the elite few
a small group of people who are the best or most powerful in a larger group
Example
The elite few control most of the country's resources.
elite athlete
a person who is among the best in their sport
Example
He is an elite athlete who has won several gold medals.
elite education
an education that is considered to be of the highest quality and is usually reserved for the wealthy or privileged
Example
She received an elite education at a private school.

Origins of elite

from French 'élite', from Old French 'eslit', meaning 'chosen'

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Summary: elite in Brief

The term 'elite' [eɪˈliːt] refers to a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. It can refer to a group or class of people seen as having the greatest power and influence within a society, especially because of their wealth or privilege. Examples include 'The elite of the business world gathered at the conference.' and 'The school only accepts students from the academic elite.' Phrases like 'the elite few' and idioms like 'elite company' denote a small group of the best or most powerful in a larger group.