elite
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A small group of people who have a privileged position of power, wealth, or talent within a larger society.
The best, most skilled, or most powerful members of any group; often implying exclusivity and superiority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries connotations of exclusivity and often unearned privilege or social stratification. Can be used positively (meritocratic) or negatively (snobbish, detached).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Elite' is used slightly more critically in political discourse in the US. In UK sport, 'elite' is a formal classification (e.g., Elite Performance Director).
Connotations
In both varieties, the word can be neutral ('elite athlete'), admiring ('elite university'), or critical ('the political elite are out of touch').
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the elite of [group]elite in [field]member of the eliteVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The cream of the crop”
- “A cut above the rest”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to top-tier companies, premium products, or high-net-worth individuals (e.g., 'elite client services').
Academic
Used to describe leading scholars, prestigious institutions, or selective programmes.
Everyday
Often used to describe high-quality products or services, or to refer to powerful groups in society.
Technical
In military contexts: special forces units. In sports science: athletes at the highest performance level.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare as a verb. Example of related verb 'to elite': The school aims to elite students for the advanced programme.)
American English
- (Rare as a verb. Not standard usage.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb. Use 'in an elite manner' or similar.)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She attended an elite private school in Surrey.
- The regiment is an elite fighting force.
American English
- He's part of an elite Navy SEAL team.
- They market to an elite clientele.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The football team has many elite players.
- She went to an elite university.
- The country is governed by a small political elite.
- He dreams of joining the elite special forces.
- Many people distrust the financial elite, believing they manipulate markets for personal gain.
- The conference was attended by an elite group of scientists from around the world.
- Critics argue that the policy merely entrenches the power of the existing elite while doing little for social mobility.
- Her research focuses on the mechanisms through which elite networks perpetuate inequality.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'e-LITE' – a small group holding the 'light' of power/knowledge/status.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS A PYRAMID (the elite are at the narrow top).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'элитный' (adjective) – English 'elite' is primarily a noun. The direct translation 'элита' is accurate but watch for false friends like 'selected' or 'chosen'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable plural without 'the' (INCORRECT: 'He is one of elites.' CORRECT: 'He is a member of the elite.' or 'He is one of the elite.').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'elite' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It can be positive when referring to merit-based achievement (elite athlete). It often carries negative connotations of privilege, exclusivity, and detachment from ordinary people (the ruling elite).
No, 'elite' is not a standard verb in modern English. It is primarily a noun and an adjective.
'Elite' is typically treated as a collective noun (like 'team' or 'government'). The plural is usually 'elites' when referring to distinct groups (e.g., 'the political and business elites'), but 'the elite' is often used as a singular or plural collective noun ('The elite is/are opposed to change').
'Elite' describes a high-status group or thing. 'Elitist' is an adjective (or noun) describing an attitude or person that believes in the superiority of such a group and often acts to exclude others.
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