2 syllables: El, ite. Stress on ite.
il-EET
/ɪˈlit/
Elite is pronounced il-EET (/ɪˈlit/). It has two syllables (El-ite), with the stress on "ite". Elite (noun): a group considered superior or most skilled within a larger population. It denotes people with elevated status, influence, or ability, often possessing exclusive advantages. In everyday use, it can describe a narrow, select segment or something of the highest quality or standard.
nounElite (noun): a group considered superior or most skilled within a larger population. It denotes people with elevated status, influence, or ability, often possessing exclusive advantages. In everyday use, it can describe a narrow, select segment or something of the highest quality or standard.
"The elite athletes trained together to push each other to the limit."
"Only a few elite scientists were invited to the confidential briefing."
"She joined the political elite after years of public service."
Pronounce as /ɪˈliːt/. The stress is on the second syllable: e-LI-t. Start with a light, quick vowel /ɪ/ (as in kit), then the long /iː/ vowel, and end with a crisp /t/. Tip: keep the mouth open a little wider for /iː/. Audio reference: listen to native speakers at Forvo or dictionary entries and mimic the strong second-syllable vowel.
Common errors: treating the second syllable as unstressed with a weak vowel; mispronouncing the /liː/ as /lə/ or /li-ə/; omitting the final /t/ or making it a /d/ in casual speech. Correction: ensure clear /ɪ/ in the first syllable, full /liː/ with a long E, then a crisp final /t/. Practice by exaggerating the second syllable in slow speech, then normalize.
US/UK/AU share /ɪˈliːt/, but vowel length and rhoticity can tint it. US tends to a slightly quicker onset on the first syllable and a strong /iː/; UK may have a purer /iː/ with less reduction, and AU aligns closely with US but with minor vowel quality shifts. All keep the secondary stress on the second syllable; main stress remains on -LI- in many contexts.
The challenge lies in the long /iː/ vowel after a short /ɪ/ and the final crisp /t/ in rapid speech, which can blur into /d/ or a softened consonant. Achieve clarity by sustaining the /iː/, ensuring the tongue high and close to the roof of the mouth, and finishing with a definitive /t/. Watch for lip tension and jaw closure to avoid a /s/ or /d/ blend.
Unique aspect: the vowel sequence /ɪ/ followed by /liː/ requires a quick, clean transition from a lax to a tense vowel, preserving the narrow glide between syllables. Ensure the /l/ is light but precise, not swallowed, and keep the /t/ voiceless and audible in careful speech. This distinct two-syllable rhythm is a hallmark of the word in formal use.
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Elite derives from the Latin word eligere, meaning to choose or select. The noun form elite emerged in English in the late 16th to early 17th century to refer to a chosen or select group, often with an implication of superiority or privilege. The sense evolved to describe those considered the highest or best within a social, professional, or intellectual context. Its usage broadened across domains—from aristocracy and military leadership to elite performers in sports, arts, science, and business. The word retains a evaluative connotation, signaling distinction and exclusivity. Over time, elite has also taken on a broader, less formal sense in contemporary English, sometimes describing anything perceived as premier or outstanding, such as elite education or elite services. First known uses appeared in political and ecclesiastical literature, where “elite” described the few who wielded disproportionate influence. The modern sense often carries a neutral to slightly critical note, depending on context and tone, highlighting both aspirational quality and possible social stratification.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Elite" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Elite" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Elite"
-eet sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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