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

Full sun Soil Type: Average fertility, medium moist, well-draining Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.0-8.0) With a broad, pyramidal form and dense blue-green foliage, this stately, needled evergreen makes an adaptable privacy screen for difficult areas in USDA Zones 4-9. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

The city’s reputation for postindustrial grittiness is largely outdated, and it’s filled with sprawling green spaces, cutting-edge museums, and a restaurant and bar scene that punches well above its weight class—without the crowds who often clog Edinburgh’s stateliest sites. —Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are moving later this year from the quaint four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in the Windsor Home Park to the stately Forest Lodge within Windsor Great Park, BBC first reported. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2025

Visitors who come for the northern lights, one of the region’s most famous ice hotels or to explore the Arctic wilderness now have the chance to witness history in motion: an entire city redefining itself and its most cherished building taking a slow, stately journey into the future. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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