stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

1

a

: marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b

: haughty, unapproachable

2

: impressive in size or proportions

stateliness noun

stately adverb

Synonyms

• august
• dignified
• distingué
• distinguished
• imposing
• portly
• solemn
• staid

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

Another film to make use of the hotel’s stately exterior was Richard Rush’s 1980 dark comedy The Stunt Man, starring Peter O’Toole and Barbara Hershey. —Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Dec. 2024

That private home, one of many stately mansions built across Somerset County in those days, was first built as the residence of Kate Everit Macy and her husband Walter Graeme Ladd. —Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024

Lifestyle 17 best holiday gifts to celebrate Angelenos and L.A. pride Nov. 3, 2024 John Woodbury never built his grand house due to the real estate bust of 1887, but the stately avenue became part of his legacy, coming to be known as the Avenue of the Deodars. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

The audience was overwhelmed by the stately dance performance, a tradition carried on for over a thousand years. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun