aristocracy

[ ar-uh-stok-ruh-see ]

noun

, plural ar·is·toc·ra·cies.

1. a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility.
2. a government or state ruled by an aristocracy, elite, or privileged upper class.
3. government by those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.
4. a governing body composed of those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.
5. any class or group considered to be superior, as through education, ability, wealth, or social prestige.

aristocracy

/ ˌærɪˈstɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. a privileged class of people usually of high birth; the nobility
2. such a class as the ruling body of a state
3. government by such a class
4. a state governed by such a class
5. a class of people considered to be outstanding in a sphere of activity

aristocracy

1. A privileged, primarily hereditary ruling class , or a form of government controlled by such an elite.

Notes

Traditionally, the disproportionate concentration of wealth, social status , and political influence in the aristocracy has been resented by the middle class and lower class.

Other Words From

• anti·aris·tocra·cy adjective noun plural antiaristocracies
• proar·is·tocra·cy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aristocracy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Middle French aristocratie, from Medieval Latin aristocracia, aristocratia, from Greek aristokratía “rule of the best”; equivalent to aristo- + -cracy

Word History and Origins

Origin of aristocracy¹

C16: from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia rule by the best-born, from aristos best; see -cracy

Example Sentences

The autoworkers at Tesla, far from representing a labor aristocracy among autoworkers, say they make less than unionized workers at GM and Ford.

From MIT Technology Review

However, the rapid political and social changes threatened powerful individuals and institutions, especially the monarchy, the aristocracy and the church.

From Washington Post

Perhaps the biggest giveaway that Penelope is Lady Whistledown arrives in the sixth episode, when Marina’s scandalous pregnancy — which predates her arrival in Grosvenor Square — is revealed to the aristocracy.

From Washington Post

Undoubtedly, the enormous inherited fortunes of the aristocracy facilitated a certain eccentricity.

From The Daily Beast

The British aristocracy is littered with stories of unmitigated spendthrifts who seem bent on self-destruction.

From The Daily Beast

Kennedy mixed socially with leading British figures, particularly among the aristocracy, who agreed with him.

From The Daily Beast

Why, I wonder, is Davenport so obsessed with defining himself as part of the British aristocracy?

From The Daily Beast

Her father was a Viscount, so Taylor married into the Catalan aristocracy.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps, like father, I am a snob at heart and liked the sensation of a sort of artistic alliance with the British aristocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

I should judge from the streets that not more than one-fourth of the females of Galway belong to the shoe-wearing aristocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not find the Aristocracy so remarkable for physical perfection and beauty as I had been taught to expect.

From Project Gutenberg

That curious, almost ridiculous-looking craft, was among the aristocracy of shipping.

From Project Gutenberg

The sale of diplomatic secrets is a brisk one in my own country, or how would so many of our poor aristocracy live?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• elite
• gentility
• gentry
• nobility
• upper class
• upper crust