stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
1
a
: marked by lofty or imposing dignity
2
: impressive in size or proportions
stateliness noun
stately adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for stately

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests a stately dowager in an evening gown
Recent Examples on the Web The largest octagonal home in the United States, Longwood spans six stories and 30,000 square feet and is topped with a stately dome. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024 Measuring a whopping 36,000 square feet, the stately compound features a main house and a separate guest dwelling. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2024 Picture a plant—your favorite flower, an herb from an outdoor garden or a stately tree. Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Here are a few of our favorite waterfall spots to take your pooch: Dawn Falls, Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Larkspur At the headwaters of Larkspur Creek, this 193-acre preserve encompasses a lovely canyon filled with history, stately trees and a spectacular waterfall. Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 The stately trees first planted here a century or more ago now rise from a lush massing of shrubs, including clouds of rhododendrons and the yellow-blooming wild azaleas so characteristic of grand Belgian parks. Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 There’s plenty for nature lovers, too: Spot alligators, manatees and dolphins; meander beneath stately banyan trees; and take a kayak for a spin through the wild mangroves. Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Once a private residence, the stately building has since expanded to welcome guests to its 33 guest rooms, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and restaurant. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2024 Elsewhere, the stately abode is complete with an open-plan living room that has a stone-front fireplace, a sleek dining area, and a chef’s kitchen equipped with granite counters and top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf and Sub-Zero. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stately.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stately was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near stately

Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stately

adjective
state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
stateliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

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