Etymology
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, origin of elect and election.
Adjective
elite (comparative eliter or more elite, superlative elitest or most elite)
- Of high birth or social position; aristocratic or patrician.
- Representing the choicest or most select of a group.
Derived terms
- anti-elite
Noun
elite (plural elites)
- A special group or social class of people which have a superior intellectual, social, or economic status as, the elite of society.
- Someone who is among the best at a certain task.
- (typography) A typeface with 12 characters per inch.
Derived terms
- cyberelite
- liberal elite
- metropolitan elite
- power elite
- technoelite
Related terms
- elect
- elitism
- elitist
- elegant
- eligible
- select
- selection
Credits
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