elite
or é·lite
[ ih-leet, ey-leet ]
/ ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit /
noun
(often used with a plural verb) the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.
(used with a plural verb) persons of the highest class: Only the elite were there.
a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group: the power elite of a major political party.
a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch.Compare pica1.
adjective
representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.
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Origin of elite
1350–1400; Middle English elit a person elected to office < Middle French e(s)lit past participle of e(s)lire to choose; see elect
Related formsan·ti·e·lite, noun, adjectivenon·e·lite, nounsu·per·e·lite, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for elite
British Dictionary definitions for elite
elite
lite
/ (ɪˈliːt, eɪ-) /
noun
(sometimes functioning as plural) the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc
Also called: twelve pitch a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch
adjective
of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive
Word Origin for elite
C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin ēligere to elect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for elite
elite
1823, from French élite "selection, choice," from Old French eslite (12c.), fem. past participle of elire, elisre "pick out, choose," from Latin eligere "choose" (see election). Borrowed in Middle English as "chosen person" (late 14c.), especially a bishop-elect; died out mid-15c.; re-introduced by Byron's "Don Juan." As an adjective by 1852. As a typeface, first recorded 1920.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper