upper-class

Thân thiện

A family in an upper-class neighborhood enjoys a picnic in their garden.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Occupying the highest socioeconomic position in a society: Belonging to or characteristic of the social group that has the greatest wealth, status, and power, typically through inherited wealth, high-ranking professions, or aristocratic lineage.

Usage

The adjective "upper-class" is used to describe people, families, lifestyles, institutions, or attributes associated with the highest social and economic stratum. It often implies distinctions in education, manners, wealth, and social connections.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She comes from an upper-class family with a long history in politics.
  • The neighborhood is known for its upper-class residents and luxurious estates.
  • His upper-class accent was immediately noticeable.

Advanced Usage

• "upper-class" as a modifier: It is commonly used before a noun to specify the social category.
  • They attended an upper-class boarding school.
• Contrast with other social strata: Often used in sociological or economic discussions to contrast with "middle-class" and "lower-class" or "working-class."

Variants and Related Words

• Upper class (noun): The social group itself.
  • The party was attended mostly by the upper class.
• Upper-crust (adjective, informal): A synonym emphasizing the highest or most elite segment of the upper class.
  • It was an upper-crust gathering at the country club.

Synonyms

• Aristocratic: Of the nobility or highest class.
• Wealthy: Having a great deal of money, possessions, or resources.
• Elite: A select group that is superior in terms of ability, qualities, or social status.
• High-society: Relating to fashionable and wealthy people.

Antonyms

• Lower-class: Occupying the lowest socioeconomic position.
• Working-class: Earning money through manual or industrial labor.
• Middle-class: Occupying an intermediate socioeconomic position.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Old money: Wealth that has been inherited over generations, often associated with the traditional upper class.
  • The family's old money status was evident in their discreet lifestyle.
• Social stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes (e.g., upper, middle, lower).

Học thuật

Adjective

1. occupying the highest socioeconomic position in a society