Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

elite

/ɪˈlit/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.40 in modern English

Syllables
elite
IPA
/ɪˈlit/
5
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Representing the choicest or most select of a group.

noun

An individual member of such a group.

noun

Someone who is among the best at a certain task.

noun

A typeface with 12 characters per inch.

Example Sentences

Etymology

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.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *leǵ-, elit, eligere

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ɪˈlit/
  • British English: /ɪˈliːt/

Inflected Forms

eliter (comparative) more elite (comparative) elitest (superlative) most elite (superlative) élite (alternative) elites (plural)

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce elite?
The recorded pronunciation is /ɪˈlit/.
What does elite mean?
Of high birth or social position; aristocratic or patrician.
Where does elite come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce elite

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