| 释义 | View usage for: (ærɪstɒkrəsi) Word forms: plural aristocraciescountable noun [with singular or plural verb]The aristocracy is a class of people in some countries who have a high social rank and special titles.  ...a member of the aristocracy. Synonyms: upper class, elite, nobility, gentry More Synonyms of aristocracyaristocracy in British English (ˌærɪˈstɒkrəsɪ) nounWord forms:  plural -cies1. a privileged class of people usually of high birth; the nobility 2. such a class as the ruling body of a state 3. government by such a class 4. a state governed by such a class 5. a class of people considered to be outstanding in a sphere of activityWord origin C16: from Late Latin aristocratia,  from Greek aristokratia  rule by the best-born, from aristos  best; see -cracyaristocracy in American English (ˌærɪˈstɑkrəsi; ˌ ɛrɪˈstɑkrəsi)   nounWord forms: plural ˌarisˈtocracies1.  Obsolete  government by the best citizens 2.   government by a privileged minority or upper class, usually of inherited wealth and social position 3.   a country with this form of government; oligarchy 4.   a privileged ruling class; nobility 5.   those considered the best in some way   an aristocracy of scientists 6.   aristocratic quality or spirit Word origin L aristocratia  < Gr aristokratia  < aristos , best + -kratia , rule < kratos , power, rule: see  hardAnd a large portion of the British aristocracy lives in genteel poverty.Examples of 'aristocracy' in a sentencearistocracyQuotations    There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talentThomas JeffersonLetter to John AdamsWord lists witharistocracygovernmentIn other languagesaristocracyBritish English: aristocracy NOUN  The aristocracy is a class of people in some countries who have a high social rank and special titles. ...a member of the aristocracy. American English: aristocracyBrazilian Portuguese: aristocraciaChinese: 贵族阶级European Spanish: aristocraciaFrench: aristocratieGerman: AristokratieItalian: aristocraziaJapanese: 貴族階級Korean: 귀족 계급European Portuguese: aristocraciaLatin American Spanish: aristocracia
Definition a class of people of high social rank a member of the aristocracySynonyms ruling class patricians upper crust (informal) noblesse (literary) haut monde (French) patriciate body of noblesOpposites masses, working classes, lower classes, commoners, proletariat, common people, hoi polloi, plebs, plebeians, proles (derogatory, slang, mainly British)QuotationThere is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talent [Thomas Jefferson – Letter to John Adams]Additional synonymsDefinition the most powerful, rich, or gifted members of a group or community a government comprised mainly of the eliteSynonyms aristocracy,  best,  pick,  elect,  cream,  upper class,  nobility,  gentry,  high society,  the crème de la crème,  flower, nonpareilDefinition people just below the nobility in social rank Most of the country estates were built by the landed gentry during the 19th century.Synonyms nobility,  lords,  elite,  nobles,  upper class,  aristocracy,  peerage,  ruling class,  patricians,  upper crust (informal),  gentility,  gentlefolkDefinition the class of people who hold titles and high social rank They married into the nobility and entered the highest ranks of society.Synonyms aristocracy,  lords,  elite,  nobles,  upper class,  peerage,  ruling class,  patricians,  high society |