upper class
Society's top tier
The upper class is the highest social stratum, typically defined by wealth, family lineage, or both.
Members often have inherited money, attend elite schools, and move in exclusive circles.
The term can describe people upper-class families or their characteristics upper-class accent.
In some societies, upper class implies aristocratic background; in others, simply great wealth.
The social elite
- eliteSuperior select group
- socialiteProminent figure in fashionable circles
- jet setWealthy international socialites
- exclusiveLimited to one group
prestigious · pedigree · connections · networking · influence · old boys club · membership · inner circle
Ostentatiously wealthy
- moneyedHaving substantial wealth
- affluentHaving abundant financial resources
- prosperousEnjoying wealth and success
- well-to-doHaving ample wealth
tycoon · magnate · plutocrat · oligarch · heir · heiress · old money · new money
Titled ruling class
- peerageSystem of noble ranks
- dukeHighest-ranking nobleman
- duchessWoman of ducal rank
- earlBritish hereditary noble rank
countess · viscount · baron · baroness · marquess · dame · lord · lady
Landed aristocratic residence
- estateProperty and grounds
- mansionLarge, stately home
- chateauFrench country mansion
- castleFortified medieval residence
penthouse · country house · grounds · servants quarters · gatehouse · conservatory · ballroom · drawing room
Large pleasure vessel
- poloMounted mallet sport
- golfClub-and-ball course sport
- galaFestive formal occasion
- champagneEffervescent celebratory wine
caviar · designer · tailored · luxury · chauffeur · butler · country club · boarding school
Highborn Roman elite
- senateLegislative governing body
- consulDiplomat in foreign city
- equestrianRelating to horsemanship
- magistrateCivil judicial officer
praetor · optimates · senatorial · gens · domus · plebeian · censor
high society
The social elite
- eliteSuperior select group
- socialiteProminent figure in fashionable circles
- jet setWealthy international socialites
exclusive · prestigious · pedigree · connections · networking · influence · old boys club · membership · inner circle · who's who
opulent
Ostentatiously wealthy
- moneyedHaving substantial wealth
- affluentHaving abundant financial resources
- prosperousEnjoying wealth and success
well-to-do · tycoon · magnate · plutocrat · oligarch · heir · heiress · old money · new money · trust fund
nobility
Titled ruling class
earl · countess · viscount · baron · baroness · marquess · dame · lord · lady · titles
manor
Landed aristocratic residence
castle · penthouse · country house · grounds · servants quarters · gatehouse · conservatory · ballroom · drawing room · library
yacht
Large pleasure vessel
champagne · caviar · designer · tailored · luxury · chauffeur · butler · country club · boarding school · debutante ball
patrician
Highborn Roman elite
- senateLegislative governing body
- consulDiplomat in foreign city
- equestrianRelating to horsemanship
magistrate · praetor · optimates · senatorial · gens · domus · plebeian · censor
- classessubclass, superclass, underclass, caste, tier
- nobilityking, queen, prince, princess, duke
- social classstratum, bourgeoisie, proletariat, underclass, elite
- social classesnobles, aristocrats, underclass, peasants, elite
- social rankstatus, rank, nobility, peerage, caste
- British Classaristocrats, gentry, peerage, commoners, nobility
upper classlower class
Lowest socioeconomic stratum
working class · working poor · underclass · poor · proletariat
upper classlower class
Lowest socioeconomic stratum
underclass · low-status · common · plebeian · lowborn
upper classunderclass
Lowest socioeconomic group
underprivileged · disadvantaged · marginalized · disenfranchised · powerless
class, upper, upped, uppermost, upping, upper-class, uppers, upper classes