Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

élite

/ɪlˈit/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.13 in modern English

Syllables: elite
IPA: /ɪlˈit/

4

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Alternative spelling of elite.

noun

Alternative spelling of elite.

Example Sentences

"Ben-Gurion’s legacy has been an enduring one. The projection of a national consensus, the domination of the state over other political actors, and the hegemony exercised over decision-making by a largely Ashkanazim élite remain features of Israeli politics today."
"Over time, though, a class system emerged; now revisions made by infrequent contributors are much likelier to be undone by élite Wikipedians."
"A hush had fallen over the élite in the ballroom, as a broad path was cleared for the throne. Lepold sat on it now, hands solidly on its arms, head high, face frozen."

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from French élite.

Inflected Forms

more élite (comparative) most élite (superlative) élites (plural)

Derived Forms

élitism élitist

Questions

How do you pronounce élite?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪlˈit/.
What does élite mean?: Alternative spelling of elite.
Where does élite come from?: Unadapted borrowing from French élite.

How to pronounce élite

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “élite”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɪlˈit/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “élite”.
Repeat and practice — Say “élite” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.