aristocratic

adjective

aris·​to·​crat·​ic ə-ˌri-stə-ˈkra-tik 

(ˌ)a-ˌri-stə-,

ˌa-rə-stə-

1

: belonging to, having the qualities of, or favoring aristocracy

an aristocratic family

aristocratic titles

2

a

: socially exclusive

an aristocratic neighborhood

b

: snobbish

3

: notably superior or excellent

In season she does an aristocratic lobster and asparagus salad with curry oil.

—R. W. Apple, Jr.

aristocratically

ə-ˌri-stə-ˈkra-ti-k(ə-)lē 

(ˌ)a-ˌri-stə-

ˌa-rə-stə-

adverb

Synonyms

• elitist
• high-hat
• persnickety
• potty
• ritzy
• snobbish
• snobby
• snooty
• snotty
• toffee-nosed [chiefly British]

Examples of aristocratic in a Sentence

the restaurant's cuisine is truly superb, but the maître d's aristocratic demeanor is a bit much

an impoverished dowager who never lets people forget about her aristocratic origins

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 1766, its intimate salons have served as an elegant house of pleasure, where courtesans entertained their wealthy aristocratic patrons. —Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024

This historical piece later became part of the collection of the Marquesses of Anglesey, an Anglo-Welsh aristocratic family closely connected to the British Royal family. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024

Members of the Anglo-Welsh aristocratic family wore the necklace to the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2024

Originally made up of two historical mansions belonging to two aristocratic Florentine families—the Gaddis and the Arrighettis—Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi gives guests a snapshot into its noble past across 86 bedrooms and eight suites. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French aristocratique, from Medieval Latin aristocraticus, from Greek aristokratikos, from aristokratia

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aristocratic

• anti-aristocratic