stately
/'steitli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a dignified, impressive, and grand appearance or manner: Describes something or someone that appears majestic, imposing, and worthy of respect, often due to size, grace, or solemnity.
- Characterized by a slow, deliberate, and impressive pace or movement: Describes movement that is unhurried, measured, and graceful, contributing to an aura of dignity.
Usage and Examples
- Describing Appearance or Buildings:
- The stately old mansion stood at the end of the long, tree-lined driveway.
- She walked into the room with a stately grace that commanded everyone's attention.
- Describing Manner or Pace:
- The procession moved at a stately pace towards the cathedral.
- His stately demeanor made him a natural leader.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Stately" vs. "Grand" or "Majestic": While all imply impressiveness, "stately" often emphasizes dignified composure and measured elegance rather than just size or splendor. A "stately" dance is slow and formal; a "grand" palace is large and magnificent.
- Used in Formal or Literary Contexts: The word is common in descriptive writing about architecture, nature, or formal ceremonies to evoke respect and solemn beauty.
- The swans glided across the lake in a stately manner.
Variants and Related Words
- Stateliness (noun): The quality of being stately.
- The stateliness of the ancient ruins was awe-inspiring.
Synonyms
- Majestic: Having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
- Imposing: Grand and impressive in appearance.
- Dignified: Having or showing a composed or serious manner worthy of respect.
- Regal: Of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.
Antonyms
- Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance; unpretentious.
- Unimpressive: Not inspiring respect or admiration.
- Rushed: Done or completed too hurriedly; hasty.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Stately home: (This is a compound noun listed here as a related phrase) A large, grand, and historic house, especially one open to the public.
- We spent the weekend touring stately homes in the countryside.
- In stately fashion: In a dignified and impressive manner.
- The ambassador arrived in stately fashion.
Adjective
- refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court
- a courtly gentleman
- of size and dignity suggestive of a statue
- impressive in appearance
- a baronial mansion
- an imposing residence
- a noble tree
- severe-looking policemen sat astride noble horses
- stately columns