First Known Use: 1561
Dictionary
aristocracy
noun ar·is·toc·ra·cy \ˌa-rə-ˈstä-krə-sē, ˌer-ə-\
: the highest social class in some countries : the people who have special titles (such as duke and duchess ), who typically own land, and who traditionally have more money and power than the other people in a society
plural ar·is·toc·ra·cies
Full Definition of ARISTOCRACY
1
: government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class
2
a : a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified b : a state with such a government
3
: a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility
4
: the aggregate of those believed to be superior
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Origin of ARISTOCRACY
Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy
Related to ARISTOCRACY
- Synonyms
- elite, gentility, gentlefolk (also gentlefolks), gentry, nobility, patriciate, quality, upper class, upper crust
- Antonyms
- proletarians, proletariat
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with ARISTOCRACY
ARISTOCRACY Defined for Kids
aristocracy
noun ar·is·toc·ra·cy \ˌer-ə-ˈstä-krə-sē\
plural ar·is·toc·ra·cies
Definition of ARISTOCRACY for Kids
1
: a government that is run by a small class of people
2
: an upper class that is usually based on birth and is richer and more powerful than the rest of a society
3
: people thought of as being better than the rest of the community
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