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Definition of stately

stately

/ˈsteɪt.li/
state · ly
Adverb:statelily
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stately Lexical Profile

stately Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Impressive and grand in size, architecture, or proportions.

Example

"A long driveway lined with ancient oaks led up to the stately Georgian mansion."

2

Having a dignified, unhurried, and grand manner or bearing; majestic and impressive in movement or demeanor.

Example

"The swans glided across the glassy lake at a slow, stately pace."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for stately
Antonyms
View all antonyms for stately

Word Nuance & Usage

Although ending in '-ly', 'stately' is exclusively an adjective in modern standard English; to modify a verb, use a phrase like 'in a stately manner' rather than the rare adverb 'statelily'.

• Rhymes for stately

• Nearby Words

stateless
statelessness
stateliness
stately
statement
stateroom
stateside

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the 14th century, the word combines the noun 'state' (in its older sense of high rank, pomp, or ceremonial dignity, from Latin 'status') with the adjectival suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stately. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stately
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