Definition

1. Noun:

   • A group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual, social, or economic status within a society. This group is often perceived as the most powerful, wealthy, or talented segment.
   • The best or most skilled members of a larger group.

2. Adjective:

   • Representing the best or most select of a group; chosen as superior.
   • Of or relating to a small, powerful, or privileged group.

Usage

• As a Noun: Used to refer to the group itself. It is often preceded by "the" (e.g., ).
• As an Adjective: Used to describe institutions, groups, or things considered to be of the highest quality or status.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The country's political and economic elite gathered for the summit.
  • Only the scientific elite were invited to the conference on quantum physics.
• Adjective:
  • She attended an elite university known for its rigorous academics.
  • He is a member of an elite military unit.

Advanced Usage

• "The elite": A fixed phrase used with a definite article to refer collectively to the most powerful or privileged class in a society.
  • The policy was designed to benefit the elite, not the common people.
• "Elite group/force/team": Common collocations emphasizing exclusivity and high standards.
  • The special forces are an elite group within the army.

Variants and Related Words

• Elitist (adj/noun): Relating to or characteristic of an elite; a person who believes they are part of or deserve to be part of an elite group.
  • His elitist attitudes made him unpopular with his colleagues.
• Elitism (noun): The belief or attitude that a society should be governed by or for the benefit of its elite.
  • The party was accused of promoting elitism.

Synonyms

• Noun: Aristocracy, upper class, cream, best, crème de la crème.
• Adjective: Select, exclusive, premier, top-tier, first-class.

Antonyms

• Noun: Masses, commoners, proletariat, rank and file.
• Adjective: Common, ordinary, average, inferior.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Cream of the crop": The best of a particular group. (Similar in meaning to 'elite' as a noun).
  • These students are the cream of the crop.
• "A cut above": Significantly better than others.
  • Her performance was a cut above the rest.

Adjective

1. selected as the best
   • an elect circle of artists
   • elite colleges

Noun

1. a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status