aristocratic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to government by an aristocracy.
-
belonging to or favoring the aristocracy.
-
characteristic of an aristocrat; having the manners, values, or qualities associated with the aristocracy.
aristocratic bearing; aristocratic snobbishness.
adjective
-
relating to or characteristic of aristocracy or an aristocrat
-
elegant or stylish in appearance and behaviour
Other Word Forms
-
antiaristocraticadjective
-
antiaristocraticaladjective
-
antiaristocraticallyadverb
-
aristocraticallyadverb
-
aristocraticalnessnoun
-
aristocraticnessnoun
-
nonaristocraticadjective
-
nonaristocraticaladjective
-
nonaristocraticallyadverb
-
proaristocraticadjective
-
pseudoaristocraticadjective
-
pseudoaristocraticaladjective
-
pseudoaristocraticallyadverb
-
unaristocraticadjective
-
unaristocraticallyadverb
Etymology
Origin of aristocratic
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Greek aristokratikós “pertaining to aristocracy,” from aristokrat(ía) “rule of the best” ( see aristocracy) + -ikos -ic
Explanation
The word aristocratic describes a person at the highest level of society — such as a prince or a duchess — or those people or things that are so distinguished that they seem to belong to that group. First used around the 1560s, the adjective aristocratic has origins in the Greek word aristokratia, meaning "government, rule of the best." An aristocratic person usually gains this social status through birthright rather than demonstrated merit. Aristocratic can describe someone or something belonging to this group, like an aristocratic estate or an aristocratic leader, but it can also describe something grand and elegant. You might have an aristocratic expression on your face as you attend a formal party.
Vocabulary lists containing aristocratic
100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Catcher in the Rye
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Content Summary 4.4: Early Modern Islamic Empires
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aristocratic style became a template for middle-class aspiration in a democratic age.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026
Aristocratic scandals bubbled over from London drawing rooms and nightspots.
From Salon • Sep. 5, 2023
Aristocratic women also regularly served as priests in the royal ancestral cult.
From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023
Aristocratic sympathizers grafted on protests at the elevation of the baseborn—namely Cromwell—to high offices.
From Slate • Mar. 12, 2020
Aristocratic Deportment and Etiquette taught by experienced Assistants.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, October 21st 1893 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
