antiaristocratic
|an-ti-ar-is-to-crat-ic|
/ˌæn.ti.ærɪstəˈkrætɪk/
against aristocracy
Etymology
'antiaristocratic' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'aristocratic' (from Greek 'aristokratia').
'aristocratic' traces back to Greek 'aristokratia' ('aristos' meaning 'best' + 'kratos' meaning 'power' or 'rule'), passed into Late Latin and French before entering Middle English as 'aristocratic', and the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) was attached in Modern English to produce 'antiaristocratic'.
Initially the elements meant 'against the rule of the best' (literally 'against aristocratic rule'); over time the compound came to be used generally for opposition to aristocracy or aristocratic manners in both political and cultural senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to aristocracy or aristocratic principles; hostile to the rule, privileges, or social status of aristocrats.
The reform movement took an antiaristocratic position, arguing for broader political representation.
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Adjective 2
rejecting aristocratic manners, tastes, or social styles; critical of aristocratic culture or lifestyle.
Her writing often carried an antiaristocratic tone, satirizing fashionable salons and elite pastimes.
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Last updated: 2025/08/27 14:35