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

His large-scale jars and urns are the most impressive due to their stately size. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

The movie centers around Matt (James Boyle), who was raised in a secluded deaf community based at a stately house and led by the charismatic, revered leader Mia (Sophie Stone). —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025

Le Bon’s fellow Welsh native, the legendary songwriter John Cale of the Velvet Underground, guests on this album of stately guitar rock. —Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025

More than 6,000 people lined up quietly on Saturday — and on Sunday the queue was even more striking, spilling into the streets around the stately venue designed by Tadao Ando, whom Armani admired and respected. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 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