a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
"The new policy was quickly adopted by the city's elite, who gathered at an exclusive gala to celebrate its implementation."
A special group or social class of people which have a superior intellectual, social or economic status as, the elite of society.
"The new policy was designed to address the unique challenges facing the country's political elite."
In plain English: An elite is a very small group of people who are considered the best or most important in a specific field.
"The elite athletes trained hard for the Olympic Games."
Usage: Use "elite" as a noun to refer to a small, privileged group of people who hold superior social, economic, or intellectual status. It functions as a plural noun in standard usage, even when referring to a single collective entity.
Of high birth or social position; aristocratic or patrician.
"The elite families of old Europe gathered at Versailles to discuss matters that had no bearing on the lives of ordinary citizens."
In plain English: Elite describes people or things that are the very best at something and belong to an exclusive group.
"The elite students were invited to attend the special summer program."
Usage: Use elite to describe a small group of people who are at the top of their field due to exceptional skill or status, rather than solely because of their family background. It correctly applies to highly skilled professionals like athletes or soldiers, but not to ordinary members of the upper class.
The word "elite" comes from the Old French verb meaning "to choose," originally referring to people who were selected or elected. It entered English through Middle French and retained its sense of being a chosen group over time.