What does elite mean?
Elite refers to a small, select group of people who are considered superior to others in power, skill, wealth, or social standing — the ruling elite of a country, the elite of professional tennis. The word can also denote an individual member of such a group and functions adjectivally to describe anything belonging to the very top tier: an elite university, an elite military unit, an elite athlete. Borrowed from French in the seventeenth century, it derives from the Old French eslit, past participle of eslire 'to choose', making it a cousin of 'elect' and 'select'. Its connotations depend heavily on context: in sports and education it signals excellence worth aspiring to, while in political commentary it often carries a critical edge, suggesting privilege detached from ordinary people. This flexibility makes elite one of the most frequently used — and debated — words in discussions of meritocracy, inequality, and social hierarchy.
A select group regarded as the best or most powerful in a society or field; also, a member of that group.
"The business elite opposed the new regulations."
Usually preceded by 'the'; takes singular or plural agreement depending on emphasis.
Belonging to or representing the highest standard of skill, quality, or status.
"He competed against elite runners from around the world."
When referring to multiple distinct groups or individual members, the countable plural 'elites' is used, though 'the elite' is far more common for the collective sense.
"Regional elites often clash with national elites over policy."
The word 'elite' comes from the same Latin root as 'elect' — for centuries, being elite literally meant being chosen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elite
Elite entered English from French in the early seventeenth century, originally meaning a chosen body of people. It traces back to Old French eslit, the past participle of eslire 'to choose', which itself descends from Latin eligere 'to pick out, select' — the root behind 'elect', 'selection', and 'eligible'. Over time the word shifted from the simple idea of being chosen to imply genuine superiority, and by the nineteenth century it was firmly established in its modern sense of a privileged social or intellectual upper crust.
Related word forms
How elite is actually used
The plural form is typically used ('the elite') when referring to the group as a whole, and it can take either singular or plural agreement depending on whether the group is viewed collectively or as individuals. In modern usage the adjective sense has expanded well beyond its origins — sports commentators routinely describe any top performer as 'elite' — which has led some critics to feel the word is overused. It can carry a neutral, admiring tone (elite athlete) or a pejorative one implying unaccountable privilege (the liberal elite), so context strongly shapes its connotation.
Easily confused with elite
'Élite' is simply an older French-influenced spelling of the same word; 'elite' is now the standard English spelling.