aristocrat

Overview

Meaning Now

• A member of the aristocracy; a person of noble birth or high social rank.
• A person who advocates for or supports a system of government by a privileged ruling class.

Journey

The term originated in Ancient Greece to describe an idealized form of government where the 'best' citizens ruled. By the 18th century, it was frequently used in France as a pejorative term for the nobility, eventually being adopted into English alongside the political turmoil of the late 1700s.

Evolution

1. Ancient Greek

   aristokratia

   “government by the best”

   Compound of 'aristos' (best) and 'kratos' (rule).

2. Middle French

   aristocratie

   “the ruling class”

   Shift from political theory to a social class designation.

3. 18th century French

   aristocrate

   “member of the aristocracy”

   The noun form identifying an individual.

4. Late 18th century English

   aristocrat

   “a nobleman”

   Direct borrowing during the French Revolution.

Connections

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Related to aristocrat

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