elite

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The richest, most powerful, or most talented people in a society or group.

   Only a small elite could afford to attend the private school.

2. 2
   adj

   Belonging to the best or most select of a group.

   He trained for years to join an elite military unit.

From Middle English elit, from Old French elit, eslit (“chosen, elected”) past participle of elire, eslire (“to choose, elect”), from Latin eligere (“to choose, elect”), with past participle electus; see elect.

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