Elite Definition
ilēt, ālēt
elites
noun
elites
A group or class of persons considered to be superior to others because of their intelligence, social standing, or wealth.
American Heritage
The group or part of a group selected or regarded as the finest, best, most distinguished, most powerful, etc.
Webster's New World
A member of such a group.
American Heritage
A size of type for typewriters, measuring twelve characters to the linear inch.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- top
- prize
- pick
- flower
- choice
- crème de la crème
- cream
- best
- elite-group
- cafe society
- gentry
- blue blood
- upper crust
- upper class
- quality
Antonyms:
- lower-class
- commonality
- ordinary
- low-life
adjective
Of, forming, or suitable for an elite.
Webster's New World
Representing the choicest or most select of a group.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Elite
Noun
Singular:
elite
Plural:
elites, litesOrigin of Elite
-
From Old French elit, eslit (“chosen, elected”) past participle of elire, eslire (“to choose, elect”), from Latin eligere (“to choose, elect”); see elect.
From Wiktionary
-
French élite from Old French eslite from feminine past participle of eslire to choose from Latin ēligere elect
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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