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Elite 一词两意

Elite 一词两意

I get confused about a phrase 'elite without being elitist'. Could you please explain that to me?

Serena

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It is easy to understand Serena's confusion because the word 'elite' has two different meanings.

Look at the example sentences below. Can you tell what the two meanings of the word are?

An elite team of soldiers have been sent to rescue the hostages.

Catherine is so bright – she always comes top of the class. I'm sure she'll end up at an elite university.

Ed Viesturs belongs to a tiny elite within mountaineers, who have climbed all 14 mountains that are over 8,000 metres high.

In my view, this country is still governed by a rich elite of businessmen, bankers and politicians.

My grandfather tried so hard to become a member of an elite club, but they wouldn't have him because he was Jewish.

You can find out if you are right, and hear William and Yang Li give a proper explanation of the examples, by listening to the programme.

Do you have a question about the English language? Why not send an email to the team at questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk.