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

But after it became clear the stadium needed a refresh in the 1970s, new owner George Steinbrenner delivered a characteristically heavy-handed renovation, bringing the park up to modern standards but replacing some of its classic design elements, such as the stately entrance and crowning frieze, with awkward, utilitarian elements like a spiral entry ramp and a smaller, clunkier frieze in the outfield.

From Los Angeles Times

Respect for Alex Salmond "on an international stage" led to his stately repatriation after his death in North Macedonia last week, the Alba Party chairwoman has said.

From BBC

Other highlights included Weir’s spectral solo performance of Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” Church’s funky “Up on Cripple Creek” and a stately version of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by the fearsomely bearded country singer Jamey Johnson, who also spent the evening in the concert’s crack house band alongside Campbell, Tench, Don Was, Ryan Bingham and an assortment drummers, backing singers and horn players.

From Los Angeles Times

From the beautiful, touristy town of La Jolla perched on a promontory jutting out into the Pacific and the relaxed atmosphere at Crystal Pier at Pacific Beach, to the upscale restaurants of the Shelter Island Yacht Basin area and the stately Hotel del Coronado, there’s a lot to see and do on this walk.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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