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Elite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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elite

[ɪˈliːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

society

A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities, often associated with wealth and privilege.

Synonyms

nobility, privileged, upper class.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elite

Used to describe a group or class of people with the highest status, often due to their skills, wealth, or power. This word can sometimes carry a sense of exclusivity and superiority.

  • The elite athletes competed for the gold medal.
  • She belongs to the elite group of top scientists in the country.
privileged

Used to describe someone who has special rights or advantages, often due to their wealth, education, or social status. Can sometimes imply unfair advantages.

  • She had a privileged upbringing with access to the best schools.
  • He felt privileged to have such a supportive family.
upper class

Used to describe the social class that occupies the highest position in society, often defined by wealth, education, and social connections. It is a broad term that can include both aristocracy and wealthy individuals.

  • The upper class enjoys a lifestyle full of luxury and comfort.
  • Attending private schools is common among the upper class.
nobility

Used to describe people belonging to the noble class, typically with hereditary titles. Often associated with aristocracy and historical contexts.

  • The castle was owned by members of the nobility.
  • He was proud of his noble heritage and family traditions.

Examples of usage

  • The elite of the city gathered for the charity gala.
  • Only the elite athletes are chosen to represent the country in the Olympics.
  • The elite members of the club have access to exclusive events and facilities.
Context #2 | Adjective

status

Considered superior in terms of quality, skill, or status.

Synonyms

premium, superior, top-tier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elite

Utilized to describe individuals or groups deemed as the highest ranking in terms of skill, wealth, or status.

  • She belongs to the elite social circle of the city
  • Their team is considered elite in the world of competitive sports
superior

Used to indicate something that is better than another in terms of quality or rank, often in a comparative manner.

  • His cooking skills are superior to mine
  • They believe their product is superior to others on the market
premium

Often associated with products or services of high quality, generally coupled with a higher price.

  • They sell premium coffee beans that are sourced from the best farms
  • This app offers a premium subscription with additional features
top-tier

Applicable to entities or items that are at the highest level within a specific category, often in terms of quality or rank.

  • This university is considered top-tier for its engineering program
  • They hired a top-tier consulting firm for the project

Examples of usage

  • She is an elite performer in her field.
  • The elite students of the school consistently achieve top grades.
  • Only the elite brands are featured in this high-end boutique.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • Elite theory suggests that in a society, power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals.
  • Political, economic, and cultural elites often influence decisions that affect a large population.
  • The concept of an elite can also extend to areas like art, education, and sports, where only a few achieve a high level of recognition.

Pop Culture

  • Films and books often portray elite groups, such as secret societies or the wealthy, as mysterious or powerful.
  • The TV show 'Elite' from Spain depicts a group of rich students at a private school, exploring themes of class and privilege.
  • Video games and sports frequently highlight elite characters or players who are the best among their peers.

Economics

  • Economic elites are those who hold significant wealth and influence market trends.
  • Many economists study the distribution of wealth to understand how elite classes affect economies around the world.
  • The term 'elite capitalism' refers to an economic system where wealth leads to disproportionate control over resources.

Education

  • Elite education institutions, like Ivy League universities, are often seen as gateways to success due to their prestigious reputations.
  • In some education systems, elite schools produce future leaders, emphasizing the importance of access to top-quality education.
  • Debates exist about whether elitism in education promotes inequality or fosters excellence.

Origin of 'elite'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'elite' is derived from the Latin word 'eligere', which means 'to choose'.
  • In English, 'elite' was first used in the 14th century to refer to persons of high status.
  • Originally, 'elite' referred to a chosen group rather than the idea of exclusion.

The word 'elite' originated from the Latin 'eligere', meaning 'to choose or select'. It first appeared in English in the 1820s to describe a select group with superior qualities. Over time, 'elite' has come to connote exclusivity and excellence in various fields, particularly in social and academic contexts.

See also: elitism, elitist.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,901 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.