élite

elite

noun eh-LEE-teh Rare

Origin: From French élite, past participle of élire (to elect), from Latin eligere.

Usage Note

Élite is invariable in Italian (the form does not change in the plural): l'élite, le élite. It is feminine. The accent on the é is standard in writing. It refers to a privileged or select group in society, politics, or sport. The adjective elitario (elitist) is derived from it.

Examples

"Solo l'élite aveva accesso a quei club esclusivi."

Natural Translation

Only the elite had access to those exclusive clubs.

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