Word
aristocratic
Phoneticsaris·to·crat·ic
US/ɝˌɪstəˈkɹætɪk/
UK/ˌæɹɪstəkɹˈætɪk/
Definition
adj. belonging to the highest social class, often with a title like 'Duke' or 'Baron'. It describes people who have a lot of money and power because of their family history.
adj. relating to or characteristic of the highest social class, typically holding hereditary titles and privileges. Often describes a refined or superior manner associated with such a class.
Examples
“He comes from an old aristocratic family.”
“The grand mansion was filled with aristocratic portraits of ancestors dating back to the seventeenth century.”
“Despite the country's shift toward democracy, certain aristocratic traditions remained deeply embedded in the social rituals of the capital's elite.”
Examples
simple
“He comes from an old aristocratic family.”
contextual
“The grand mansion was filled with aristocratic portraits of ancestors dating back to the seventeenth century.”
complex
“Despite the country's shift toward democracy, certain aristocratic traditions remained deeply embedded in the social rituals of the capital's elite.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'look' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“So Orlando (played by Josephine) has an estuary accent which points to his lowly position among his brothers and lack of schooling, while Rosalind and Celia look and sound aristocratic.” “Often, entrants include these alongside aristocratic and highbrow interests in a way that could reduce the appearance of snobbishness.” Etymology
From French aristocratique, from Ancient Greek ἀριστοκρατικός (aristokratikós). By surface analysis, aristo- + -cratic.
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 C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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