aristocratie

aristocracy

noun ah-rees-toh-krah-SEE Rare

Origin: From Greek aristos (best) + kratos (power/rule).

Usage Note

Aristocratie refers both to the class of nobles and to the system of government by a privileged elite. The related noun aristocrate means 'aristocrat', and the adjective is aristocratique. In everyday speech, l'aristocratie can be used ironically or metaphorically: l'aristocratie du talent ('the aristocracy of talent').

Examples

"L'aristocratie a perdu son pouvoir."

Natural Translation

The aristocracy lost its power.

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