1
Core quality
Belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
Example
Elite athletes trained at the national centre.
elite
/eɪˈliːt/ · ay-LEETadjective
Belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
Use elite to express this relationship precisely: belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
What elite Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The programme was once limited to elite institutions.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An elite reputation does not guarantee equal access.
Use elite Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Elite athletes trained at the national centre.
The programme was once limited to elite institutions.
An elite reputation does not guarantee equal access.
Precision Matters
Elite overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
elite
vs.Means belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
neophyte
Means a beginner or recent convert who is new to a subject, activity, organization, or belief.
elite
vs.Means belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
provincial
Means limited in outlook, experience, or sophistication; also, relating to a province outside the capital.
elite
vs.Means belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
adversary
Means an opponent, rival, or enemy in a conflict, contest, debate, or struggle.
elite
vs.Means belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
prestige
Means high respect, admiration, status, or influence gained through achievement, quality, reputation, or association.
Test elite in Context
The unit is reserved for a highly selected top group.
1
Only the highest-scoring candidates were admitted to the ___ training unit.