Aristocratic - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

social class

Belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy. Aristocratic families have wealth, power, and influence in society.

Synonyms

noble, patrician, upper class.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aristocratic	Repeated word—see the first entry for context and examples. She was born into an aristocratic family with a long history of nobility His aristocratic manners made him stand out at the banquet
noble	Used to describe someone with high moral qualities or someone who belongs to the nobility. Can be used positively or negatively (if implying snobbery). He was admired for his noble actions during the crisis She looked noble in her elegant evening gown
upper class	Used to describe individuals or groups who belong to the highest social class, often associated with wealth and influence. The charity event was attended by many members of the upper class He lived an upper class lifestyle, filled with luxury and opulence
patrician	Often used to refer to someone from an old, noble, or wealthy family. It can also imply a sense of superiority or detachment. The man came from a patrician background and was very well-educated Her patrician features gave her an air of aloofness

Examples of usage

She comes from an aristocratic family.
His aristocratic upbringing shaped his views on society and politics.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

In ancient societies, aristocrats often held significant power, ruling over serfs and peasants.
During the French Revolution, the term took on a negative connotation as aristocratic privileges were challenged.

Literature

Many literary works, like those by Jane Austen, focus on the lives and issues of the aristocracy in England.
Characters from classic novels often embody aristocratic traits, highlighting their social status and moral dilemmas.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Downton Abbey' depict the lives of aristocratic families and their struggles with modern society.
Popular games, such as Monopoly, often feature themes of wealth and elitism linked to aristocratic lifestyles.

Modern Implications

In contemporary discussions, 'aristocratic' can refer to any elite group, not just those with noble titles.
The word is sometimes used to describe behavior perceived as snobby or pretentious.

Origin of 'aristocratic'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Greek 'aristokratia', which means 'rule of the best'.
It originally referred to a government by a small privileged class, emphasizing nobility and power.

The word 'aristocratic' has its roots in the Greek word 'aristokratikos', which means 'belonging to the best ruling class'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe the privileged social class of nobles and aristocrats. Throughout history, aristocratic families have held power and influence in many societies, often passing down their status and wealth through generations.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,993 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9990 irresistible
9991 rescued
9992 comb
9993 aristocratic
9994 frog
9995 rationality
9996 enclosing
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Aristocratic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations