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DictionaryRoot: kratos
Greek

kratos

strength, power, or rule

Forms

  • kratos
  • crat- — A Latin-style spelling retained in English.
  • -cracy — Developed from related Greek words for rule.

Origin

An inherited Greek word with older Indo-European ancestry.

Note

Strength can become the ability or authority to govern.

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adjective

aristocratic

uh-ris-tuh-KRAT-ik/əˌrɪstəˈkrætɪk/

Relating to or characteristic of the nobility.

The noblewoman's ceremonial robes and coronet display her aristocratic rank.

An older British noblewoman in formal peeress robes and a small coronet, posed with composed dignity beside a carved ceremonial chair.
Etymology
aristoGreekbest or noblest
+cratGreekstrength, power, or rule
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

The pieces describe something belonging to “rule by the best,” later understood as rule by a privileged class. The adjective consequently came to describe nobles and the grand or stylish qualities associated with them.

In context

The Fallen Age4:13
A great aristocratic house in London might employ 20 or 30 indoor servants.
Why You Wouldn’t Survive a Day as a Victorian Servant in 1888

More examples

  • Her aristocratic ancestors served at the royal court.
  • The novel examines aristocratic privilege.
  • His polished manners gave him an aristocratic air.

Similar words

noble
Can denote titled status but also admirable moral character.
patrician
Suggests established upper-class refinement without necessarily titled nobility.