elite

Everyday

1. The elite is a small group of people who are the best at something, or who have the most power, money or importance. tree →
2. Elite (adjective) means the very best or of the highest level, as in elite athletes. tree →
3. Sometimes «the elite» is used as a complaint about rich, powerful people who seem out of touch. tree →

In the lessons

Sport (elite athletes, elite teams), the army (elite soldiers), and politics lessons, where «elites» is a word in arguments. Phrases: the elite, elite athletes, elite squad, elite schools.

Examples

• Only elite athletes can run that fast. tree →
• The elite squad trained every day. tree →
• She joined the elite group of chess players at the club. tree →
• Some people say the elite do not understand ordinary families. tree →
• The country's elite went to the same old schools. tree →
• Elite gymnasts start training very young. tree →

Note

Say «ay-LEET» or «ih-LEET». «The elite» takes a plural or singular verb. In arguments, notice that calling someone «elite» can be praise or an insult — check the tone. Elitism means favouring a small top group.