dynastic

[ dahy-nas-tik; British also dih-nas-tik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a dynasty, a sequence of rulers or other powerful or wealthy people, usually from the same family:

   Democracy, by definition, can't prohibit dynastic or corrupt rulers but it offers ways to correct or alter the situation.

   Artifacts found in the Royal Nubian burials at Qustul bear the oldest-known examples of Egyptian dynastic symbols, such as the white crown of Egypt and the falcon.

Other Words From

• dy·nas·ti·cal·ly adverb
• an·ti·dy·nas·tic adjective
• an·ti·dy·nas·ti·cal adjective
• an·ti·dy·nas·ti·cal·ly adverb
• non·dy·nas·tic adjective
• non·dy·nas·ti·cal adjective
• non·dy·nas·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynastic¹

First recorded in 1620–30, for an earlier sense; dynast(y) ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

It is what is known as a “dynastic order of chivalry”; that is, an order under the patronage of a royal family.

From Slate

As I’ve pointed out before, the Founding Fathers themselves considered the accumulation of dynastic wealth to be a threat to the pursuit of happiness and to democracy itself.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the dynastic appeal, the shine came off Khama’s government and in the 2014 election the BDP won less than 50% of the vote for the first time.

From BBC

Seeking a dynastic succession, they invested leadership in Ali’s descendants through the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah.

From Salon

It has faced rebellions, infighting and periodic fits of soul-searching over whether to rally behind a new face — only to stick with its dynastic leadership.

From New York Times