élite

elite

noun EH-lee-teh Less Common

Origin: From French élite.

Usage Note

Élite (also written elite without the accent in informal use) refers to a select group — social, sporting, or professional. In Spain the accent mark on the first e is standard. As a modifier it behaves like an adjective: un deportista de élite ('an elite athlete'). The word carries both admiring and pejorative connotations depending on context.

Examples

"Solo los mejores llegan a la élite del deporte."

Natural Translation

Only the best reach the elite of sport.

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