Word
aristocracy
Phoneticsaris·toc·ra·cy
US/ˌɛɹəˈstɑkɹəsi/
UK/ˌæɹɪstˈɒkɹəsi/
Definitions
01the nobility
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the highest social class in some countries, whose members often have special titles and inherit wealth from their families.
n. the nobility or hereditary ruling class of a society, typically characterized by titles, land ownership, and historical privilege.
“In the past, the aristocracy owned most of the land in the country.”
“The French Revolution fundamentally challenged the traditional privileges of the aristocracy, leading to a radical restructuring of European social hierarchies.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the' to refer to the class as a whole.
Teaching tip
Learners should distinguish this from 'meritocracy', where power is earned through talent rather than birth.
Antonyms
02form of government
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a system of government where a small group of people from the highest social class holds all the power.
n. a form of government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified to rule.
“Ancient philosophers debated whether an aristocracy was better than a democracy.”
“Plato argued for a form of intellectual aristocracy, where the most virtuous and wise citizens would lead the state.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the abstract system of government.
Teaching tip
In political science contexts, this sense emphasizes 'rule by the best' rather than just 'rule by the rich'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03superior group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a group of people who are seen as the best or most important in a particular field.
n. a group of people considered superior to others by virtue of their intelligence, wealth, or specific excellence in a field.
“The city's financial aristocracy gathered at the private club to discuss the new tax laws.”
“By the mid-20th century, a new intellectual aristocracy had emerged within the university system, wielding significant cultural influence.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically with a qualifying adjective like 'financial' or 'intellectual'.
Teaching tip
This is a figurative use; it implies a level of exclusivity similar to the literal nobility.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“These extravagant performances reinforced the divine right of the Stuart monarchy, and the audiencecourtiers, aristocracy dignitaries and diplomats – was seated according to status and rank.” “Photograph: Patrick McMullan/Getty Images Abramović compares her taking on these projects to Renaissance artists who were commissioned by the clergy and aristocracy.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French aristocratie, from Medieval Latin aristocratia, from Ancient Greek ἀριστοκρατίᾱ (aristokratíā, “the rule of the best“, that is, “the best-born”, “nobility”), from ἄριστος (áristos, “best, noblest”) + -κρατίᾱ (-kratíā), from κράτος (krátos, “power, rule”). By surface analysis, aristo- + -cracy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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