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