French word

aristocrate

Pronunciation

IPA/aʁistokʁat/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)aristocrat

Example

C'est un vrai aristocrate.

He is a real aristocrat.

Illustration for aristocrate (aristocrat)

More examples

Il a grandi dans une famille d'aristocrates.

He grew up in a family of aristocrats.

Core concept

A person carrying social distinction in posture, dress, and manner, whether by rank or by adopted style.

Common phrases

  • un aristocrate

    an aristocrat

  • les aristocrates

    the aristocrats

Similar words

noble: A person of high rank who shows grace, courtesy, and dignity.
bourgeois: A person who values material comfort, stability, and conservative everyday values.
élite: A member of a small, influential group with high professional or social standing.

Definition in French

Personne qui appartient ou se comporte comme un membre de l'aristocratie, symbole de prestige et d'élégance.

Word origin

The French word comes through Latin aristocrates from Greek aristokratēs, a term formed from aristos, "best," and kratos, "power."

Usage tips

  • Aristocrate can be literal or figurative in French, and vrai aristocrate may sound admiring, humorous, or ironic from context.

Opposites

  • roturiercommonernoun
  • plébéienplebeiannoun

Related words

Word lists with this word