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.

Noun

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