"a choice or select body, the best part," 1823, from French élite "selection, choice," from Old French eslite (12c.), fem. past participle of elire, elisre "pick out, choose," from Latin eligere "choose" (see election). Borrowed in Middle English as "chosen person" (late 14c.), especially a bishop-elect; died out mid-15c.; re-introduced by Byron's "Don Juan." As an adjective by 1852. As a typeface, first recorded 1920.
双语例句
1. They were, by and large, a very wealthy, privileged elite.
他们基本上是一些非常有钱有势的精英。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Only the educational elite go 〔 goes 〕 to Oxford or Cambridge.
只有学业上的精英才能上牛津或剑桥大学.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. The power elite inside the government is controlling foreign policy.
政府内部的一群握有实权的精英控制着对外政策.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. Dr Russel is creating an elite herd by cross-breeding goats from around the globe.
拉塞尔博士正通过把全球各地的山羊品种进行杂交来培育一个优良种群。
来自柯林斯例句
5. A tiny, educated elite profited from the misery of their two million fellow countrymen.
