elite
ih-LEET
Elite (noun) means the smallest, most powerful or most accomplished group within a larger population. Example: “Only a small elite of engineers understood how the reactor actually worked.”
noun
1
The smallest, most powerful or most accomplished group within a larger population.
"Only a small elite of engineers understood how the reactor actually worked."
"The tournament attracts the sporting elite from every continent."
"The club was once the meeting place of the city's artistic elite."
adj
1
Regarded as the best of its kind, or belonging to a select top group.
"She trains with an elite squad of gymnasts."
"The hotel offers an elite membership tier with private check-in."
"He is an elite athlete who trains twice a day, every day."
How to use elite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top tier — the smallest, most select group at the very best or most powerful end of something.
Common mistake
Often used loosely as a vague put-down ("the elites") in political speech, which can blur its more precise meaning of a genuinely top-performing or top-ranked group.
Common pairings
a small elite
the ruling elite
elite athletes
elite forces
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Word forms
- Plural
- elites
- Comparative
- eliter, more elite
- Superlative
- elitest, most elite
Fill the gap
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Only a small _____ of engineers understood how the reactor actually worked.
Etymology
From French élite, "the chosen ones," from élire, "to elect" — ultimately the same Latin root as English "elect."
Synonyms
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upper class
cream of the crop
high society
the best
aristocracy
top tier
establishment
elite group
elect
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for elite
See all rhymes for elite →Frequently asked questions
What does “elite” mean?
The word “elite” means the smallest, most powerful or most accomplished group within a larger population. In plain terms, the top tier — the smallest, most select group at the very best or most powerful end of something.
How do you pronounce “elite”?
“Elite” is pronounced ih-LEET (/ɪˈlit/ in IPA).
How do you use “elite” in a sentence?
Here is “elite” used in a sentence: “Only a small elite of engineers understood how the reactor actually worked.”
What part of speech is “elite”?
Depending on how it is used, “elite” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “elite” come from?
The word “elite” comes from Latin. From French élite, "the chosen ones," from élire, "to elect" — ultimately the same Latin root as English "elect.".
Is “elite” a common word?
“Elite” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “elite” have?
“Elite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest, most powerful or most accomplished group within a larger population.
What does it mean to be part of the elite?
Being part of the elite means belonging to the smallest, most powerful or most accomplished group within a larger population. This might be the wealthiest, the highest-ranking, or the most skilled — the top tier in status, influence, or ability. Elite groups are defined by being few in number but exceptional in some way.
Is elite a positive or negative word?
It depends on context. Describing skill, 'elite' is highly positive — an elite athlete is among the very best. Describing power or privilege, it can turn negative, as in an out-of-touch ruling elite. The word signals a small, top-ranked group; whether that reads as admirable or resented depends on the setting.
What is the difference between elite and elitist?
'Elite' describes the small, top group itself — the most powerful or accomplished. 'Elitist' is an attitude: the belief that this group deserves special treatment or that ordinary people matter less. Elite can be neutral or admiring, but elitist is almost always used critically to signal snobbery or exclusion.
What is the opposite of elite?
Opposites include ordinary, average, or common — the general mass of people rather than the select top group. In terms of ability, the opposite is amateur or mediocre; in terms of status, the rank and file or the masses. Where elite means the exceptional few, its antonyms point to the everyday many.
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