elite
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Old French elit, eslit (“chosen, elected”) past participle of elire, eslire (“to choose, elect”), from Latin eligere (“to choose, elect”); see elect.
Pronunciation [edit]
- IPA: /ɪˈliːt/, /əˈliːt/, /ɛˈliːt/, /eɪˈliːt/, X-SAMPA: /I"li:t/, /@"li:t/, /E"li:t/, /eI"li:t/
- Rhymes: -iːt
Adjective [edit]
elite (comparative more elite, superlative most elite)
- Of high birth or social position; aristocratic or patrician.
- Representing the choicest or most select of a group.
Translations [edit]
Of high birth or social position
Noun [edit]
elite (plural elites)
- A special group or social class of people which have a superior intellectual, social or economic status as, the elite of society.
- 2012 April 19, Josh Halliday, “Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?”, the Guardian:
- "Mujtahidd" has attracted almost 300,000 followers since the end of last year, when he began posting scandalous claims about the Saudi elite. In one tweet, Mujtahidd directly challenged Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Fahd about his political history: "Did you resign or were you forced to resign from your post as head of the diwan [office] of the council of ministers?"
- 2012 April 19, Josh Halliday, “Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?”, the Guardian:
- Someone who is among the best at certain task.
- 1964, "France's Culture Corps," Time, 7 Aug.,
- Is there a nobler or more disinterested aim than to educate the cadres, the elites of tomorrow?
- 1964, "France's Culture Corps," Time, 7 Aug.,
Derived terms [edit]
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
group with higher status
person who is among the best at certain task
External links [edit]
- elite in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- elite in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
Spanish [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Noun [edit]
elite f (plural elites)
