chosen people: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

When referring specifically to the Jewish people in a religious context, it is typically capitalized ('the Chosen People') as a proper noun. When used generically or metaphorically for other groups, lowercase is often used.

Yes, but it is often used critically or ironically to describe groups that believe they are inherently superior or specially favored, e.g., 'the tech billionaires acted like a chosen people.'

In Christian theology, 'the elect' often refers to those predestined for salvation, which can be individuals from any nation. 'Chosen People' traditionally refers collectively to the nation of Israel as God's covenant people.

It is not inherently offensive when used accurately in its proper religious or academic context to describe Jewish belief. However, using it loosely to describe any group can be seen as trivializing a core Jewish theological concept or, if applied to one's own group, can imply supremacist views.

A group believed to have been specially selected by God for a particular covenant or purpose.

Chosen people is usually formal, academic, religious, literary in register.

Chosen people: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃəʊzən ˈpiːpl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃoʊzən ˈpiːpəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.