Noble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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noble
[ˈnəʊbl ]
Definitions
character
Belonging to a high social class or having a title. Showing high moral qualities and ideals such as courage, generosity, and honor.
Synonyms
aristocratic, dignified, honorable, noble-minded.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| noble |
Used to describe someone with high moral qualities, or someone of high social rank, often used in historical or metaphorical contexts.
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| honorable |
Describes someone deserving respect for ethical and fair behavior, generally used in positive moral contexts.
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| dignified |
Describes someone who acts in a serious and somewhat formal manner, showing respect and calmness, often used in reference to demeanor.
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| aristocratic |
Refers to someone belonging to the aristocracy, the highest social class, typically having titles and privilege; relates more to social or family status.
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| noble-minded |
Refers to someone with a kind and virtuous mindset, often putting others before themselves in both thought and action.
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Examples of usage
- He was known for his noble character and generous spirit.
- The noble lady treated everyone with kindness and respect.
- His noble actions inspired others to do good deeds.
title
A person of noble rank or birth, especially a hereditary noble or one belonging to the peerage.
Synonyms
aristocrat, lady, lord, peer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| noble |
Used to describe someone who has a high social rank or is of the aristocracy. It can also refer to someone's admirable qualities or high morals.
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| aristocrat |
Refers specifically to someone from the highest class in society, often with inherited titles and lands.
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| peer |
Refers to someone who holds a title that makes them a member of the nobility, particularly in the UK. It can also mean someone of equal standing or rank in other contexts.
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| lord |
Used to refer to a male of high rank in society, sometimes involving titles of nobility. Can also be used in religious contexts or as a form of address in formal situations.
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| lady |
Commonly used to respectfully refer to a woman of high social position, or any woman in a polite context.
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Examples of usage
- The nobles gathered at the royal court for the ceremony.
- She was born into a family of nobles and inherited the title.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- During the medieval period, nobility often held vast lands and had significant political power over the common people.
- Knights, often considered noble, were expected to follow a code of chivalry, promoting bravery and honor.
- Various cultures have their own systems of nobility, such as the samurai in Japan, who combined military skill with a code of ethics.
Pop Culture
- In literature, characters who demonstrate noble qualities often serve as heroes or role models, such as King Arthur.
- Many films depict noble knights or figures fighting for justice, reinforcing the idea of sacrifice for the greater good.
- The concept often gets romanticized in media, showcasing a timeless appeal of honor and bravery.
Philosophy
- Nobility can reflect moral virtues, such as integrity, kindness, and courage, forming a cornerstone of ethical theories.
- Philosophers like Aristotle discussed noble qualities as essential for achieving the highest good in life.
- The idea of the 'noble savage', introduced by Rousseau, implies that humans are inherently good and moral before society corrupts them.
Psychology
- Research shows that people often hold favorable views of individuals displaying noble traits like altruism and empathy.
- Studies indicate that societies valuing benevolence tend to create stronger community bonds and social cohesion.
- The human tendency to admire noble actions is linked to evolutionary psychology, where cooperation and generosity contributed to group survival.
Origin of 'noble'
Main points about word origin
- The word has its roots in Latin, coming from the word 'nobilis', which means 'known' or 'well-known'.
- Old French borrowed the term in the 14th century to describe people of high birth or quality.
- Originally, it referred to both moral qualities and social status, showing how personal character was valued.
The word 'noble' originated from the Latin word 'nobilis', meaning 'well-known, famous, renowned, noble'. In medieval times, nobility was associated with hereditary status and high social rank. Nobles held titles and privileges granted by monarchs, and were often seen as exemplars of virtue and honor. The concept of nobility has evolved over time, but the idea of being noble still carries connotations of dignity, integrity, and excellence.
See also: ennoble, nobility, nobleman, nobleness, nobles, noblewoman, nobly.