elite
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small group of people who have a lot of power and influence because of their money, education, or social position.
n.a social group or class that exercises dominant influence or control within a society due to wealth, status, or political power.
Simple“The country's political elite met behind closed doors to discuss the new laws.”
In context“Critics argue that the economic elite often shape national policy to protect their own interests rather than those of the general public.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the very best people in a particular group, such as the best athletes or students.
n.individuals who are considered the most skilled or capable within a specific field or activity.
Simple“Only the sporting elite are invited to compete in this international tournament.”
In context“The university aims to recruit the intellectual elite from across the globe to join its research programmes.”
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.belonging to the best or most powerful group.
adj.representing the most select or superior members of a group; often used attributively to describe high-status institutions or units.
Simple“He joined an elite group of soldiers who handle the most dangerous missions.”
In context“The academy provides elite training for young musicians who show exceptional promise in classical performance.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
“This is a grim irony, and one that should prompt serious self-reflection by an elite institution that should have known better than to be so careless.”
“Nor should he try to, because the charge would be stupid; indeed, the kind of thing that an elite billionaire like Peter Thiel would say.”
From Middle English elit, from Old French elit, eslit (“chosen, elected”) past participle of elire, eslire (“to choose, elect”), from Latin eligere (“to choose, elect”), with past participle electus; see elect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.