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

For a luxurious stay, The Inn at Willow Grove features a world-class spa and 25 stately rooms, housed in a 40-acre Classical Revival manor originally built in 1778. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025

Holding court on Captain’s Row—an area of the village inhabited by sea captains during the 19th century when the town was a thriving whaling port—the stately Greek Revival home was built in the 1840s and is known as Pond View for its scenic locale overlooking Otter Pond and Sag Harbor Cove. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2025

The entrance opens into a stately double-height foyer with a floating staircase. —India Roby, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025

Traditional Fall Front Entry An impressive magnolia leaf garland framing this door makes for a stately and traditional fall front entry. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 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