noun

aristocracy

aristocracy, nobility, upper class

The aristocracy held most of the power.

The aristocracy held most of the power.

He married into the British aristocracy.

He married into the British aristocracy.

((the)) aristocracy a ruling class of noble people The aristocracy often owned large estates.

Synonyms: nobility, elite, upper class; Antonyms: democracy, commoners

From Greek 'aristos' (best) + 'kratos' (rule). It means 'rule by the best'.

Think of 'aristo' as 'the best'. The aristocracy is the class of 'the best' or highest-ranking people.

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