# aristocracy

/ˌɛɹəˈstɑkɹəsi/ (US) · /ˌæɹɪstˈɒkɹəsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aristocracy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the nobility

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the highest social class in some countries, whose members often have special titles and inherit wealth from their families.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. form of government

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

a system of government where a small group of people from the highest social class holds all the power.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. superior group

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a group of people who are seen as the best or most important in a particular field.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The old aristocracy lived in large country houses.
- During the revolution, the local aristocracy fled the country to escape the rising anger of the working class.
- While the political power of the landed aristocracy has diminished over the centuries, their cultural influence and vast estates often remain intact through generations of inheritance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.