aristocratical
|ar-is-to-crat-i-cal|
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/ˌærɪstəˈkrætɪkəl/
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/ˌærɪstəˈkrætɪk(ə)l/
relating to aristocracy; upper-class
Etymology
'aristocratical' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the noun 'aristocrat' plus the suffix '-ical', where '-ical' meant 'pertaining to'.
'aristocrat' entered English via French 'aristocrate' and Latin/Greek roots; Greek 'aristokratia' (from 'aristos' 'best' + 'kratos' 'power') gave rise to Latinized and French forms, then Middle/Late Modern English 'aristocratic' and the variant adjective form 'aristocratical'.
Initially related to the Greek idea of 'rule by the best', the sense shifted in English to refer more broadly to 'of or relating to the nobility or upper classes' and to manners or qualities associated with them.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of an aristocracy; noble or upper-class in manner, bearing, or origin. (often a formal or somewhat old-fashioned variant of 'aristocratic')
Her aristocratical bearing marked her as someone from the old money families.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 19:12