Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy: Describes something or someone that is part of, or has the qualities associated with, the highest social class, especially one holding hereditary titles or high rank.
   • Having the refined tastes, manners, or appearance associated with the aristocracy: Describes a demeanor, aesthetic, or lifestyle considered elegant, superior, or exclusive in a way typical of the upper classes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The mansion had an aristocratical grandeur that was imposing. (The mansion possessed a noble grandeur that was imposing.)
  • Her aristocratical bearing made her stand out in the crowd. (Her noble bearing made her stand out in the crowd.)
  • He maintained aristocratical tastes in art and literature. (He maintained refined, upper-class tastes in art and literature.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or sociological contexts to describe institutions, families, or features emblematic of aristocratic power and culture.
  • The debate focused on the aristocratical privileges enshrined in the old constitution.
• It can carry a connotation of being aloof, exclusive, or disdainful of common tastes.
  • His aristocratical disdain for popular entertainment was well-known.

Variants and Related Words

• Aristocratic (adj): The more common and frequently used form, identical in meaning to "aristocratical."
  • She comes from an old aristocratic family.
• Aristocracy (n): The noble class itself, or government by such a class.
• Aristocrat (n): A member of the aristocracy.

Synonyms

• Noble: Of high birth or rank.
• Patrician: Belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy, especially of ancient Rome.
• Blue-blooded: Having an aristocratic lineage.
• Genteel: Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected way.
• Highborn: Of noble birth.

Antonyms

• Plebeian: Of the common people.
• Common: Ordinary; not of the nobility.
• Proletarian: Relating to the working class.
• Lowborn: Not of noble birth.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To the manor born: Having a natural suitability for aristocratic life, as if born to it. (Note: This idiom uses "manor," not a direct variant of "aristocratical," but conveys a similar concept of innate aristocratic quality.)
  • She handled the formal dinner with an ease that suggested she was to the manor born.

Adjective

1. belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
   • an aristocratic family
   • aristocratic Bostonians
   • aristocratic government
   • a blue family
   • blue blood
   • the blue-blooded aristocracy
   • of gentle blood
   • patrician landholders of the American South
   • aristocratic bearing
   • aristocratic features
   • patrician tastes