Etymology Map
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Aristocrat

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a member of the nobility

Where does the word "aristocrat" come from? It comes from Greek aristokratia, passing through French before entering English (1789).

1
Stage 1 of 3
aristokratia
Greek · ancient
"rule of the best"
Greek, 'aristos', best, plus 'kratos', power
2
Stage 2 of 3
aristocrate
French · 1700s
"aristocrat"
coined during the French Revolution for nobles
3
Stage 3 of 3
aristocrat
English · 1789
"noble"
'aristocracy' was borrowed much earlier, in the 1500s
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Read the full story

Aristocrat’s story begins in Greek: aristokratia meant “rule of the best.” Greek, 'aristos', best, plus 'kratos', power. By 1700s, the word had taken hold in French as aristocrate. Coined during the French Revolution for nobles. It reached English by 1789 as aristocrat. 'aristocracy' was borrowed much earlier, in the 1500s. Today, aristocrat means a member of the nobility.