noun

station

A person's rank or position in society.

The novel explores the limits imposed by social station.

Etymology

The Latin noun names a place where one stands or is posted. Social station treats rank as a person's assigned position in society.

More examples

  • She refused to judge people by their station in life.
  • His station gave him access to powerful officials.
  • The story follows a man rising above his original station.

Forms

station · stations

Similar words

rank
More directly indicates relative standing in a hierarchy.
status
Broader standing, including legal or social circumstances.