Noble: meaning, definitions and examples

👑

Add to dictionary

noble

[ˈnəʊbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The noble knight vowed to protect the kingdom. Helping the poor is a noble act.
honorable	Describes someone deserving respect for ethical and fair behavior, generally used in positive moral contexts. It was honorable of him to admit his mistake. The judge was known for her honorable decisions.
dignified	Describes someone who acts in a serious and somewhat formal manner, showing respect and calmness, often used in reference to demeanor. He remained dignified despite the challenging circumstances. Her dignified response to the criticism won her respect.
aristocratic	Refers to someone belonging to the aristocracy, the highest social class, typically having titles and privilege; relates more to social or family status. She carried herself with an aristocratic air. His aristocratic background influenced his outlook on life.
noble-minded	Refers to someone with a kind and virtuous mindset, often putting others before themselves in both thought and action. The noble-minded philanthropist dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate. Her noble-minded ideals led her to a career in social work.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. He was a noble man, always helping those in need. She belongs to a noble family with a long history.
aristocrat	Refers specifically to someone from the highest class in society, often with inherited titles and lands. As an aristocrat, he had privileges that others could only dream of. The mansion was owned by an old aristocrat who rarely left his estate.
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. He was made a peer by the Queen, thus entering the House of Lords. Among his peers, he was regarded as highly intelligent and reliable.
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. Lord Neville was known for his vast estate and charitable donations. The villagers sought the lord's protection during times of trouble.
lady	Commonly used to respectfully refer to a woman of high social position, or any woman in a polite context. Please welcome Lady Catherine to the stage. Every lady at the event was dressed in elegant gowns.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "noble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nobre

🇮🇳 उच्च कुलीन

🇩🇪 edel

🇮🇩 mulia

🇺🇦 благородний

🇵🇱 szlachetny

🇯🇵 高貴な

🇫🇷 noble

🇪🇸 noble

🇹🇷 asil

🇰🇷 고귀한

🇸🇦 نبيل

🇨🇿 ušlechtilý

🇸🇰 ušľachtilý

🇨🇳 高贵的

🇸🇮 plemenit

🇮🇸 göfugur

🇰🇿 асыл

🇬🇪 კეთილშობილი

🇦🇿 nəcib

🇲🇽 noble

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,259, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2256 audience
2257 implementation
2258 mortgage
2259 noble
2260 shared
2261 rising
2262 definite
...