What does "aristocracy" mean?
The nobility, or the hereditary ruling class.
Aristocracy
/ˌæɹ.ɪˈstɒk.ɹə.si/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The nobility, or the hereditary ruling class.
- Grammar: aristocracy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: gentry, nobility, absolute monarchy, aedileship.
- Useful contrasts: third estates, third estate, common people.
- Usage evidence: Nancy comes from what we call the aristocracy.
How to use "aristocracy"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "aristocracy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "aristocracy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "aristocracy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "gentry" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The nobility, or the hereditary ruling class. countable, uncountable
"But when Nietzsche has the incredible lack of humour and lack of imagination to ask us to believe that his aristocracy is an aristocracy of strong muscles or an aristocracy of strong wills, it is necessary to point out the truth. It is an aristocracy of weak nerves."
- 2 the most powerful members of a society wordnet
- 3 Government by such a class, or a state with such a government. countable, uncountable
"How many false principles have been laid down, how much delusion supported, by reference to the glories of Athens and of Rome! It remained for a later time to observe that those so-called republics were but aristocracy in its most oppressive form; and what are now the people were then positive slaves;..."
- 4 a privileged class holding hereditary titles wordnet
- 5 A class of people considered (not normally universally) superior to others. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Nancy comes from what we call the aristocracy."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "aristocracy"?
Common synonyms include: gentry, nobility, absolute monarchy, aedileship, ancestry, ancienne noblesse.
How do you use "aristocracy" in a sentence?
Nancy comes from what we call the aristocracy.
How do you pronounce "aristocracy"?
Pronounced /ˌæɹ.ɪˈstɒk.ɹə.si/.
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.