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

In their stately ruins, the remains of these structures offer glimpses of the Stone Age people who made them, people at once familiar and deeply strange, whose voices are lost but whose sharp minds and skilled hands can be inferred and admired. —Peter Ross, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

The pacing ranges from static to stately — except for one bizarrely antic dance sequence in which a troupe of shirtless men in skirts, boots, and leather helmets lets loose, stomping, dabbing, and twerking. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025

This lilting ballad transports us back to Mexico’s golden era of stately heartbreak songs, amplified by Becky’s astute production choices, which combine a retro melodic sensibility with the benefits of digital wizardry. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Instead of leading with a sporty vibe, the design here is modern, Spanish luxe, and stately comfortable. —Shea Peters, Travel + Leisure, 30 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