stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
1
a
: marked by lofty or imposing dignity
2
: impressive in size or proportions
stateliness noun
stately adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kennedy, accompanied by a slew of Democratic state officials, spoke in front of the stately Ansel B. Cook Mansion, which was then Libertyville’s main library. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 Highlights of the digs include its terra-cotta and oak parquet flooring, in addition to its five fireplaces, two stately staircases, library, and elevator. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2025 The stately Royal Crescent and the Gravel Walk, where Anne and Wentworth finally reconcile, becomes a place associated with longing. Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025 Last week, about a dozen people met in the Richmond dining room of the stately Virginia Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. Nick Turse, airmail.news, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stately 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stately was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near stately

Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

stately

adjective
state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
stateliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

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