Synonyms for the phrase "the upper class" include terms such as the elite, aristocracy, high society, upper echelon, nobility, and gentry. These words have been used throughout history to describe individuals who hold great wealth, influence, and status in society. While originally reserved for those born into privileged families, the term has evolved over time to include individuals who have achieved success through their careers or other means. Regardless of the definition, the upper class are typically associated with luxury, sophistication, and power. While these terms may connote a sense of exclusivity, they also reflect the realities of class stratification that still exist in many societies today.