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

• imposing

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

Built in 1886, the stately house features beautiful decor, ornamental fireplaces and multiple luxury suites with comfortable beds, whirlpool tubs, and some rooms have outdoor balconies overlooking Louisville's Central Park. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

During World War I, this stately six-bedroom home along one of Guildford’s most prestigious roads was caught in the crosshairs of the only Zeppelin raid ever to hit the town. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 June 2025

Inside a stately 1940s building designed by Cesare Pascoletti and Marcello Piacentini, the hotel features a lush courtyard that feels like a secret garden. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Nearly every single room has a stately writer’s desk that an AI bot can’t take away. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Rhymes for stately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• lately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun