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

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

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

Believed to be about 200 years old, the stately tree rose out of a dip in the craggy landscape of Northumberland, England. —Lauren Frayer, NPR, 9 May 2025

This contrast of being tucked away while also showcasing such stately detail is what makes Hotel The Mitsui such a draw. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 8 May 2025

The archive is located inside the stately Palazzo Settimanni on via delle Caldaie, in the heart of the Tuscan city, in the Oltrarno district long associated with artistry and craftsmanship. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 May 2025

Tour Noz Nozawa brings joy and comfort to a stately and historical California home Photography by Brittany AmbridgeStyled by Mister Lee Designs May 7, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. —Kerry Pieri, Architectural Digest, 7 May 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