Stately
'steɪtli
Definitions
Having a dignified, impressive, and often formal appearance or manner.
'steɪtli
Dignified, majestic, and impressive in appearance or manner.
The stately home, with its manicured gardens, was a sight to behold.
💡 Simply: Imagine a castle or a really fancy house. 'Stately' means it looks super important and elegant, like it's fit for a queen or a king! It makes you want to stand up straight and behave!
👶 For kids: When something is stately, it looks fancy and important, like a castle or a queen!
More Examples
The dancers performed a stately waltz, moving with grace and precision.
A stately oak tree stood sentinel over the old graveyard.
How It's Used
"The stately mansion stood at the end of the long, winding driveway."
"The queen moved with a stately grace, captivating the entire ballroom."
Synonyms
Dignified
Elegant
Grand
Imposing
Majestic
Pompous
Regal
Idioms & expressions
stately home
A large, impressive house, typically with historical or cultural significance.
"They spent the afternoon visiting a stately home with beautiful antique furniture."
From Middle English 'statli', derived from 'state' (status, condition, pomp) + '-ly' (suffix forming adjectives). It originally implied having or exhibiting the qualities befitting a person of high status or rank.
The word 'stately' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to those with a high status. Its meaning has evolved over time to encompass qualities of grandeur and impressiveness.
Memory tip
Think of a state leader, they are supposed to have stately appearances.