stately

[ steyt-lee ]

adjective

, state·li·er, state·li·est.

1. majestic; imposing in magnificence, elegance, etc.:

   a stately home.

2. dignified.

adverb

1. in a stately manner.

stately

/ ˈsteɪtlɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by a graceful, dignified, and imposing appearance or manner

adverb

1. in a stately manner

Derived Forms

• ˈstateliness, noun

Other Words From

• stateli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stately¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, stately is from the Middle English word statly. See state, -ly

Example Sentences

The backyard lawn took up most of the sun, and the front yard lawn, heavily shaded by the stately elm trees lining the block, was so compacted and sun-deprived “it was basically already dead.”

From Los Angeles Times

The series of dance works about Louisa May Alcott’s beloved 19th century novel are staged inside the stately Victorian homes of Northeast L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

He found a "stately calm" about him and a "fierce discipline", which included preparing a handwritten to-do list every day.

From BBC

The play, about a fanciful tour guide of a dull and stately English country house who runs into conflict with a factually fastidious official at the historic property, was almost immaterial.

From Los Angeles Times

He was usually the first person on the dance floor, as capable of dancing a stately waltz as he was a rousing zapateada.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ceremonial
• elegant
• gracious
• grand
• imperial
• imposing
• luxurious
• magnificent
• massive
• opulent
• palatial
• solemn
• sumptuous
• towering