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- 1560s, "government by those who are the best citizens," from French aristocracie (Modern French aristocratie), from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia "government or rule of the best; an aristocracy," from aristos "best of its kind, noblest, bravest, most virtuous" (see aristo-) + abstract noun from kratos "rule, power" (see -cracy).
www.etymonline.com/word/aristocracy
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History. Aristocracies dominated political and economic power for most of the medieval and modern periods almost everywhere in Europe, using their wealth and land ownership to form a powerful political force. The English Civil War involved the first sustained organised effort to reduce aristocratic power in Europe.
Jun 17, 2023 · aristocracy. (n.) 1560s, "government by those who are the best citizens," from French aristocracie (Modern French aristocratie), from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia "government or rule of the best; an aristocracy," from aristos "best of its kind, noblest, bravest, most virtuous" (see aristo-) + abstract noun from kratos "rule, ...
Sep 25, 2022 · aristocratic (adj.) c. 1600, "pertaining to aristocracy," from French aristocratique, from Latinized form of Greek aristokratikos "belonging to the rule of the best," from aristokratia (see aristocracy). The meaning "grand, stylish, befitting the nobility" is from 1845. Related: Aristocratical (1580s); aristocratically. also from c. 1600.
Aug 9, 2024 · aristocracy, government by a relatively small privileged class or by a minority consisting of those presumed to be best qualified to rule. As conceived by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 bce), aristocracy means the rule of the few—the morally and intellectually superior—governing in the interest of all.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Feb 28, 2024 · The word “aristocracy” comes from the Greek “aristokratia,” combining “aristos” (best) and “kratos” (power, rule). This term originally signified the rule of the “best” class, implying a government led by a superior, noble class believed to possess the qualities most desirable for leadership.
The earliest known use of the noun aristocracy is in the mid 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for aristocracy is from 1561, in a translation by Thomas Norton, lawyer and writer.
Feb 11, 2021 · The term aristocracy comes from the Greek word aristokratia, meaning “rule by the best,” being those individuals considered to be most qualified to govern the society because of their moral and intellectual superiority.
