Definition

1. Noun:
   • The social class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy: The "upper class" refers to the group of people in a society who hold the greatest wealth, social prestige, and often inherited status or power.

Usage

• The term "upper class" is used to describe a socioeconomic group, typically characterized by significant capital, ownership of substantial assets, and influence. It is often contrasted with the "middle class" and "working class" or "lower class."
• It functions as a countable noun, often preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., ). It can also be used attributively as a compound adjective (e.g., ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Members of the upper class often attended exclusive private schools.
  • The tax policy was criticized for favoring the upper class.
  • There is a noticeable cultural divide between the upper class and other social strata.

Advanced Usage

• "the upper classes" (plural): Used to refer to the various groups or families within the highest social stratum.
  • The customs of the upper classes in the 19th century were very formal.
• Used in sociological and economic discussions to analyze social structure, mobility, and inequality.

Variants and Related Words

• Upper-class (adjective): Of or relating to the upper class.
  • She comes from an upper-class background.
• Aristocracy (noun): A specific, often hereditary, segment of the upper class, traditionally holding titles of nobility.
• Elite (noun): A broader term that can refer to the most powerful, wealthy, or talented group in any field, not solely based on social class.

Synonyms

• The aristocracy
• The gentry
• High society
• The privileged class

Antonyms

• The lower class
• The working class
• The proletariat

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth: An idiom describing someone born into a very wealthy upper-class family.
  • He never had to work a day in his life; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
• To the manor born: Behaving as if naturally suited to an elegant, upper-class lifestyle.
  • She handles formal dinners with ease, as if to the manor born.

Noun

1. the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy