Aristocracy
noun /ˌær.ɪˈstɒk.rə.si/ — The hereditary upper class; rule by the best.
Definition
The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and traditionally connected with land ownership. Originally in Greek thought: government by the best and most excellent. The ideal collapsed quickly into the reality.
Beyond the definition
The aristocracy believed its position was earned — by bloodline, by breeding, by centuries of accumulation. The philosophical joke is that 'aristocracy' means rule by the best. History has generally disagreed.
Origin & history
Greek: 'aristos' (best) + 'kratos' (power). Aristotle defined it as rule by the excellent for the common good — the third of the three 'correct' constitutions after monarchy and polity.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The British aristocracy survived the 20th century by adapting — turning their estates into tourist attractions.
She described the tech industry's founding class as a new aristocracy — connected by school ties rather than bloodlines.
True aristocracy, Aristotle argued, was the rule of the wise and virtuous — but the word rarely describes that.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Aristocracy” when the meaning fits your context: The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and traditionally connected with land ownership. Originally in Greek thought: government by the best and most excellent. The ideal collapsed quickly into the reality.
Synonyms
nobility, upper class, gentry, elite
Antonyms
proletariat, democracy, meritocracy
Related words
Aristocracy vs oligarchy
Aristocracy is rule by a privileged, hereditary class. Oligarchy is rule by any small group of people, whether based on wealth, family, or military influence.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Staircase Representing Social Hierarchy
A large staircase shows people at different levels dressed in distinct, hierarchical styles of clothing.
The people at the top level of the staircase represent the aristocracy, occupying the highest class with their formal clothing, visually demonstrating the rigid divisions of a stratified society.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Aristocracy" mean?
Aristocracy is noun meaning: The hereditary upper class; rule by the best.. The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and traditionally connected with land ownership. Originally in Greek thought: government by the best and most excellent. The ideal collapsed quickly into the reality.
Where does the word "Aristocracy" come from?
Greek: 'aristos' (best) + 'kratos' (power). Aristotle defined it as rule by the excellent for the common good — the third of the three 'correct' constitutions after monarchy and polity.