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 That heritage can be seen at Whitehall and The Breakers—stately establishments developed during the Gilded Age—and throughout the charming ‘vias,’ filled with Spanish Colonial architecture. Amy Louise Bailey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2024 Built in 1910, the stately brick building was used as a chapel and gathering place for generations. Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 1 Apr. 2024 Inspired by the great hostelries of Europe, notably The Ritz in Paris, The Chateau’s stately façade angles behind formal gardens that usher guests into an unparalleled luxe experience. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024 In Los Angeles, officers from Homeland Security situated themselves on a stretch of street surrounded by expensive landscaping and stately houses. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024 Currently some 12,000 items are on display in the stately neoclassical edifice, but behind the scenes 150,000 more are arranged by type—cemetery reliefs, urns, statues—with slices of foam to protect them if an earthquake hits. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024 The largest octagonal home in the United States, Longwood spans six stories and 30,000 square feet and is topped with a stately dome. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024 Measuring a whopping 36,000 square feet, the stately compound features a main house and a separate guest dwelling. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2024 Picture a plant—your favorite flower, an herb from an outdoor garden or a stately tree. Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stately.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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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