elite

Chosen as among the best, or available only to a small group with special advantages.

• She joined an elite team.
• Only a few students enter this elite school.
• Elite athletes often train twice a day.

Similar words: exclusive, select, top

Common phrases: elite athletes, elite school, elite club

A small group of people with more power, money, or social advantages than others.

• The elite control much of the wealth.
• She criticized the country's political elite.
• A small elite owned most of the land.

Similar words: ruling class, upper class, establishment

Common phrases: ruling elite, political elite, wealthy elite

The people in a group who are considered the best or most skilled.

• Only the elite were selected.
• She now competes among the world's sporting elite.
• The team brings together the elite of local chess players.

How to use it: the elite of something (These musicians are the elite of the orchestra.)

Similar words: best, cream, top performers

Common phrases: sporting elite, the elite, elite of something

A size of typewriter lettering that fits twelve letters or spaces into one inch.

• This typewriter uses elite.
• She typed the letter in elite rather than pica.
• Elite fits twelve characters into each inch.

Common phrases: elite type, elite typeface, in elite