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English Lexicon

Upper class

/ˌʌp.ər ˈklæs/
nounadjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Relating to or belonging to the highest social class, typically comprising people with considerable wealth, inherited property, and high social status.

    "She grew up in an upper-class family with a long history of public service."
As noun
  1. 1

    The highest social class in a society.

    "Traditional art patronage was largely funded by the upper-class."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'upper', from Old English 'uppera', combined with 'class', originating from Latin 'classis' (a division of the Roman people). The collocation became prominent in sociological discourse during the 19th century industrial era to denote the socioeconomic stratum possessing the highest status and wealth.

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