stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

1

a

: marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b

: haughty, unapproachable

2

: impressive in size or proportions

stateliness noun

stately adverb

Synonyms

• august
• dignified
• distingué
• distinguished
• imposing
• portly
• solemn
• staid

Choose the Right Synonym for stately

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

a stately dowager in an evening gown

Recent Examples on the Web

The first floor of the home is decked out with a grand reception hall, a drawing room, and a stately library which is believed to have been her husband’s favorite room. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2024

While the facade of the stately building drawing inspiration from the grande dame Ritz Paris is unchanged, the interiors have been reimagined with opulence, and in true Nemacolin fashion, lots of whimsy. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Oaks These stately trees can provide the high shade or dappled shade that Japanese maples crave. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024

The melody is underscored by a series of pulsing broken chords, and the sound of a harpsichord adds a stately flourish. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun