Aristocratic: Synonyms & Antonyms

The word aristocratic is an evocative term that conjures up rich imagery of opulence, social esteem and historical heritage. It’s also a word that has come to represent a number of meanings. 

To illustrate the various meanings of this complex and captivating word, here are some synonyms that provide a clearer sense of this popular and fascinating word. These can also be helpful to use if you’re looking for an alternative to the word aristocratic. 

As well as reviewing its synonyms, it can also be useful to consider the antonyms. Sometimes the opposites of a word can be very revealing about its true definition, or they can help you to choose the right word if you’re meaning to convey the opposite of aristocratic. 

Definitions Of Aristocratic

Before exploring the alternatives and opposites of aristocratic, it can be helpful to get a sense of the meanings and definitions of the term. 

• A type of political governance where an elite few lead the collective. 

• A place, person, or thing that carries or suggests an air of affluence, nobility, or chivalry.

• Belonging to the social order known as the aristocracy, also called the nobility or the landed gentry.

• A reference to a line of noble lineage or heritage, i.e. ancestors who were granted noble titles such as duke, marquis, count, viscount, baron or lord. 

Aristocratic: Synonyms

• Noble 

When describing the attributes of aristocracy, whether an official title or a personal characteristic, the word noble also represents a similar implication. 

• Upper Class 

The aristocracy has historically been regarded as the elite social group, just one level beneath royalty. As such they have been referred to as the Upper Class, the highest order of a social class system that also includes lower groups such as Middle Class, Working Class etc.

• Elegant

To describe someone as aristocratic may be to suggest that they have an air of elegance, grace or dignity that was historically a hallmark of many aristocrats. 

• High-born

One of the distinguishing features of official aristocrats was their noble family lineage. As such, terms like as high-born also reflect this aristocratic heritage. 

• Well-bred

This is another alternative that suggests the importance of noble ancestry, parentage and heritage within the aristocracy. 

• Blue-blooded

While this term is often used to describe members of royalty or those with royal blood-relations, it is sometimes also used to describe those with an aristocratic background or family history. 

• Posh

The term aristocratic is sometimes used to denote a level of affluence, eloquence, education or an upper-class accent, regardless of official noble status. In such cases, the word posh could be more appropriate and possibly more accurate. 

• Refined

The aristocratic classes have long been associated with the finer things in life – food and drink, homes, travels, clothes etc. Using the word refined is a way to suggest the lavish or luxurious lifestyles associated with the aristocracy. 

• Haughty

Courtesy of the aristocrats who held an air of superiority or aloofness, a sense of a haughty attitude has become synonymous with noble status in the minds of some people. 

• Elite

Typically regarded as the elite social order in civilised societies, this synonym reflects both the social stature and the qualities of the original aristocracies. 

Aristocratic: Antonyms

In contrast to the above synonyms which paint a colourful picture of the aristocracy, here are some antonyms that represent the opposite qualities and characteristics of aristocratic. 

• Low-born

Aristocratic, by definition, means high-born, and so the opposite of that official heritage is low-born. 

• Unprivileged

The aristocracy is regarded as a highly privileged social group, so unprivileged or underprivileged suggests the opposite end of the social spectrum. 

• Ignoble

In contrast to the nobility inherent in the term aristocratic, ignoble suggests more dishonourable traits. It can also represent a more humble rank that simply means not superior, lofty or noble. 

• Unsophisticated

In reference to the sophistication often associated with the social elite, this antonym denotes a lack of the levels of refinement that are synonymous with the aristocracy. 

• Inelegant

Elegance has long been a characteristic associated with the nobility, so the use of the term inelegant is a perfect contrast to this reputation of refinement. 

Modern Meanings Of Aristocratic

Given the longevity and fascinating evolution of the noble classes, it’s not surprising that the term aristocratic has a range of varied and evocative meanings. Some of these are based on the history of this intriguing social group, whereas others are based on a more fantastical view of how the aristocracy lived in the past or how they live today. 

For example, words such as refined, elegant, sophisticated etc perhaps refer to a particular period in history, when the nobility became renowned for such qualities. Yet, in reality, the nobles of the ages have lived a variety of lifestyles, some which would not easily be described with such terms. The early aristocrats, during the Middle Ages, may have looked just the same as their social peers, without the airs and graces that we associate with noble living. 

While the term aristocratic has taken on connotations that may not be historically accurate, in modern language, it has also come to mean a broader and less specific definition. For example, someone may refer to another as aristocratic as a reference to their style of dress, their wealth, accent, demeanour or haughty attitude, with little or no suggestion that they have a noble background. 

In this sense, the use of the word aristocratic has become less synonymous with the original definition and official noble titles. It has become more of a stereotypical idea that suggests a range of qualities commonly associated with those in the higher echelons of society. 

The accuracy of the term aristocratic is less relevant in the modern age, when there is less emphasis placed on a person’s family lineage or their official status in society. Perhaps this has resulted in the broader uses of the term. Yet, the centuries of history and the richly evocative imagery associated with the nobles of the ages mean that any mention of aristocracy calls to mind a clear and distinct character trait, personality or aesthetic.

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