stately

adjective state·ly \ -lē \

Definition of stately

statelier; stateliest

1 a :marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b :haughty, unapproachable

2 :impressive in size or proportions

—

stateliness

noun

—

stately

adverb

See stately defined for English-language learners

See stately defined for kids

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 of stately from the Web

The University of Tulane’s stately New Orleans campus also closed for months for the first time since the Civil War.

— Washington Post, "Texas schools shuttered by Harvey could stay that way awhile," 30 Aug. 2017
In Glendale, where stately homes are face-to-face with CSX tracks, the horns shatter the quiet of this community regularly.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Rail at a crossroad: Glendale's quiet zone is on track," 29 Aug. 2017
After a stately exit at 5 mph, Ray gunned the 6-passenger R.I.B. boat, which is used for SEAL team operations, up to 50 mph.

— logan jenkins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ocean adventure for kids comes in extremely different comfort zones," 26 Aug. 2017
More stately pieces, such as a gold bed frame with a Carrera marble inset in the bedroom, are mixed with casual, traditional American and Dutch styles like a checkered black and white couch in the living room.

— madeleine winer, The Courier-Journal, "Turn-of-the-century prairie homestead takes you on a trip around the globe," 17 Aug. 2017
More than a thousand of the stately birds huddled in a protective circle, many straddling a single egg or feeding a downy gray chick.

— doug hansen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cruising around Cape Horn is South American adventure," 29 June 2017
The royal family made a stately appearance at the Royal Ascot on Tuesday, but a minor clumsy mishap occurred behind the scenes.

— cara zimmerman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Saved a Countess from Falling Out of a Carriage," 22 June 2017
Speaking of mansions—many of the walk's most stately homes (two of which belonged to the Vanderbilts) are open to tours.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Weekend Trip Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink in Newport, Rhode Island," 22 June 2017
In the stately words of the King James translation, Isaiah 1:15:

— david frum, The Atlantic, "When Prayer Alone Does Not Suffice," 14 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stately.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stately

15th century

stately Synonyms

Synonyms

august, distingué, distinguished, imposing, portly, solemn, staid, dignified

Antonyms

flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, silly, undignified

Related Words

decorous, proper, seemly; grave, grim, po-faced [British], sober, somber (or sombre); aristocratic, elegant, elevated, handsome, lordly, magisterial, majestic, noble

Near Antonyms

coarse, crass, crude, improper, indecent, uncouth, unseemly, vulgar

Synonym Discussion of 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

STATELY Defined for English Language Learners

stately

adjective

Definition of stately for English Language Learners

: very impressive in appearance, manner, or size

STATELY Defined for Kids

stately

adjective state·ly \ ˈstāt-lē \

Definition of stately for Students

statelier; stateliest

:impressive in size or dignity

stately oaks

stately homes

—

stateliness

noun

Learn More about stately

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stately

Definition of stately

stateliness

stately

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Examples of stately in a Sentence

Recent Examples of stately from the Web

First Known Use of stately

stately Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of stately

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STATELY Defined for English Language Learners

stately

Definition of stately for English Language Learners

STATELY Defined for Kids

stately

Definition of stately for Students

stateliness

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