Elite
The word elite has its origins in words meaning to choose and choice.
The word elite, from 1823, meaning a choice or a selected body or the best part, is from French élite (selection, choice) and Old French eslite (to pick out, to choose). These words have their origin in Latin eligere (to pick out, to select, to choose). Eligere is also the origin of the word election.
In the late 14th century, the word elite meant a ‘chosen person’; however, this meaning disappeared in the mid-15th century.
Elite as an adjective is from 1852. Elite as a typeface is from 1920.
To be elite is not automatic. To be elite means to be chosen. For example, an elite sports player is someone selected because of their skills to be part of a top-ranked team; e.g., an all-star team. Some military units are considered elite because of their special skills. Someone who is elite is the cream of the crop, so to speak.
The word elite is not to be confused with the somewhat derogatory word elitist.
The adjective elitist, from 1950, means advocating or preferring rule or social domination by an elite element in a system or society. Elitist as a noun is from 1961.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word elite, from 1823, meaning a choice or a selected body or the best part, is from French élite (selection, choice) and Old French eslite (to pick out, to choose). These words have their origin in Latin eligere (to pick out, to select, to choose). Eligere is also the origin of the word election.
In the late 14th century, the word elite meant a ‘chosen person’; however, this meaning disappeared in the mid-15th century.
Elite as an adjective is from 1852. Elite as a typeface is from 1920.
To be elite is not automatic. To be elite means to be chosen. For example, an elite sports player is someone selected because of their skills to be part of a top-ranked team; e.g., an all-star team. Some military units are considered elite because of their special skills. Someone who is elite is the cream of the crop, so to speak.
The word elite is not to be confused with the somewhat derogatory word elitist.
The adjective elitist, from 1950, means advocating or preferring rule or social domination by an elite element in a system or society. Elitist as a noun is from 1961.
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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