adj. state·li·er, state·li·est 1. Impressive and dignified, as in size or appearance; majestic: stately mansions. See Synonyms at grand. 2. Dignified and slow; measured: a stately procession; a dirge in a stately tempo. stateli·ness n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.