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

Formerly Lanvin’s historic headquarters, the stately stone building — which retains the original metal window casings — was purchased by Alaïa parent Compagnie Financière Richemont in 2017. —Miles Socha, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

Advertisement In one particularly surreal scene, a Guard Humvee sat framed by tall palm trees outside the stately entrance to the Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

History The stately ivory 19th-century Ottoman palace was originally built as a secondary residence near the Sultan’s principal summer palace on the Bosphorus. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

The outgoing Attorney General, Merrick Garland, delivered a stark warning at his official farewell ceremony yesterday, held in the stately Art Deco Great Hall of the Department of Justice. —Fabio Bertoni, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025

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