Aristocratic

/ˌærɪsṭəˈkrætɪk/

adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonSocial Status
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

Of or relating to the aristocracy; having the characteristics or qualities associated with the aristocracy, such as refinement, elegance, privilege, and often a sense of superiority.

/ˌærɪsṭəˈkrætɪk/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Social Status

Belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy.

He possessed an aristocratic air about him.

💡 Simply: Fancy, upper-class, privileged.

More Examples

2

The event was attended by many aristocratic families.

How It's Used

Historical Studies

"The aristocratic families held significant power during the feudal era."

Literature

"The novel depicts the lives of aristocratic characters living in 19th-century England."

From Middle French aristocratique, from Italian aristocratico, from Late Latin aristocraticus, from Greek aristokratikos, from aristos 'best' + kratos 'power'.

Historically, the term was strictly used to describe those of noble birth. Modern usage has broadened to include those exhibiting aristocratic qualities, even without noble lineage.

Memory tip

Think 'aristos' (best) + 'kratos' (power) - the best have the power.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"aristos (best) + kratos (power)"

aristocratic familyaristocratic bearingaristocratic titlearistocratic lifestyle

Common misspellings

aristocraticlaristocratickaristrocratic

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written