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

Its columns are intact, as is its stately exterior constructed from thick local limestone. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025

Here, a visionary Melbourne family has spent two decades transforming a humble farmstead into a stately pleasure dome of sorts, one that satisfies modern appetites. —Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Back at stately Beck Manor, Reacher finally gets to tuck into some of the Irish cook’s delicious stew and parler a little français with the French maid, who reveals that Beck has a mechanic on staff, too. —Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025

Vera, who is only 16 when the film opens, lives in a stately bourgeois apartment with her parents and her nasty brother, Fritz (Leo Meier). —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Rhymes for stately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• lately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun