élite
feminine
The English phrase 'elite' can be translated into French as élite.
The word élite is a direct translation of 'elite' and refers to a socially or intellectually superior group or individuals. Depending on the context, you may wish to use other terms: Les meilleurs refers to 'the best' in a specific field, while Les privilégiés translates to 'the privileged' to describe an advantaged group. For individuals with exceptional skill, you can use Les cracks or Les pros to describe those who are highly proficient. In colloquial speech, Le top can be used to describe a group at the peak of their field.
Meaning: group with higher status (noun)
Which one should you use?
While élite can function as an adjective meaning 'of high quality', the specific adjective élitaire carries a pejorative connotation, meaning 'elitist' or exclusionary. To use 'elite' as an adjective to describe a specific noun (for example, an elite unit), you should use the phrase d'élite.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
élite is a feminine noun. It is most commonly used in the singular, l'élite, to refer to a single collective group. The plural form, les élites, is used when you are referring to multiple distinct groups, such as political elites and economic elites.
Did you know?
- The noun élite is actually a fossilised feminine past participle of the verb élire, which means 'to elect'.
- In casual French, calling someone un crack means they are 'elite' or exceptionally skilled at something.
- The term les privilégiés is frequently used instead of élite when the speaker wants to emphasize that status was inherited rather than earned.
Examples in context
- En général, les élites sont insensibles à la critique.On the whole, the elite are not sensitive to criticism.This sentence shows how élite can be used when discussing the sensitivity of elite groups to criticism.Tatoeba #9457 by dominiko, translation #21809 by User105223
- Les représentants de l'élite continuent de penser selon les catégories du passé.The representatives of the elite continue to think according to the categories of the past.This sentence uses élite to describe the representatives of a social group.Tatoeba #8545756 by Aiji, translation #2983856 by AlanF_US
- L'élite sait ce qu'elle fait quand elle prive les travailleurs de la lumière du soleil.The elite know what they are doing when they deprive workers of sunlight.This sentence illustrates the use of élite in a context describing the actions of a group toward workers.Tatoeba #6602025 by aperitero, translation #6601973 by Eccles17
- Les membres de cette association sont considérés comme l'élite de la sociétéThe members of this association are considered the elite of society
- Ces athlètes sont reconnus comme les meilleurs de leur générationThese athletes are recognized as the best of their generation
- Les privilégiés de la société ont rarement conscience de leurs avantagesThe privileged in society rarely realize their advantages
- Ces artistes font partie du top des DJs mondiauxThese artists belong to the top of world DJs
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing politics at a café.
- LucasLe gouvernement écoute seulement l'élite.The government only listens to the elite.
- ManonC'est vrai, ils ignorent le peuple.That's true, they ignore the people.
- LucasL'élite ne comprend pas nos problèmes.The elite doesn't understand our problems.
- ManonJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elite” translations and entries élite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries élite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
