aristocracy

/,æris'tɔkrəsi/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
aristocracy

A nobleman from the aristocracy rides through his estate.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The most powerful members of a society: A small, privileged class that holds a disproportionate amount of a society's wealth, prestige, and political influence, often based on hereditary status.
    • A privileged class holding hereditary titles: A social class, typically the highest, whose members hold inherited titles such as duke, earl, or baron, and often own large amounts of land.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In the 18th century, the aristocracy controlled most of the land and political power in Europe.
    • The country's aristocracy resisted reforms that would reduce their privileges.
    • He was born into the aristocracy but chose a life of public service.
Advanced Usage

  • "Natural aristocracy": A concept suggesting that leadership and high status should belong to those with the greatest ability and virtue, rather than being based solely on birth.

    • Thomas Jefferson wrote about a "natural aristocracy" of talent and virtue.

  • "Aristocracy of...": Used figuratively to describe a group considered superior in a particular field.

    • The university prides itself on being an aristocracy of intellect.
Variants and Related Words

  • Aristocrat (noun): A member of the aristocracy.

    • The aristocrat owned a vast estate.

  • Aristocratic (adjective): Relating to the aristocracy or having the qualities attributed to it (e.g., refined, aloof).

    • She had an aristocratic bearing.
Synonyms
  • Nobility: The class of people with hereditary titles.
  • Elite: The most powerful, rich, or talented group in a society (can be broader than hereditary aristocracy).
  • Patriciate: The aristocracy, especially in ancient Rome.
Antonyms
  • Commoners: Ordinary people without noble rank.
  • Proletariat: The working-class people.
  • Peasantry: Poor agricultural laborers.
Related Idioms and Phrases

  • "Aristocracy of labor": A historical term for skilled, highly-paid workers who considered themselves superior to common laborers.

    • In the 19th century, some trade unions represented an aristocracy of labor.

  • "To the manor born": An idiom (derived from Shakespeare) meaning accustomed to a wealthy, aristocratic lifestyle from birth.

    • She handled the formal dinner with ease, as if to the manor born.
aristocracy

A nobleman from the aristocracy rides through his estate.

Noun
  1. the most powerful members of a society
  2. a privileged class holding hereditary titles

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ có nhắc đến "aristocracy"