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
Example
She was in elite company when she won the award.
Example
The elite group of scientists made a groundbreaking discovery.
Example
She reached the elite level of her sport after years of training.
Phrases with elite
Example
The elite few control most of the country's resources.
Example
He is an elite athlete who has won several gold medals.
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'
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.