Aristocrat
/ˈær.ɪ.stə.kræt/noun
A member of the highest social class; a noble.
Did you know?The word was coined from Greek roots meaning “best” and “power/rule,” and it entered modern European languages through political debate about who was fit to govern.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
aristokratía
“rule by the best; government by the noblest citizens”
Late Greek
Greek
aristokratēs
“a supporter or member of the ruling elite”
16th Century
French
aristocrate
“a noble or member of the ruling class”
17th Century
English
aristocrat
“a member of the nobility or upper class”
Modern English
English
aristocrat
“a person of noble rank or privileged social standing”
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