noble

¹no·ble

adj \ˈnō-bəl\

no·bler\-b(ə-)lər\no·blest\-b(ə-)ləst\

Definition of NOBLE

1

a : possessing outstanding qualities : illustrious b : famous, notable <noble deeds>

2

: of high birth or exalted rank : aristocratic

3

a : possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties <noble wine> b : very good or excellent

4

: grand or impressive especially in appearance <noble edifice>

5

: possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals : lofty <a noble ambition>

6

: chemically inert or inactive especially toward oxygen <a noble metal such as platinum> — compare base 6a

— no·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun

— no·bly \-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb

Examples of NOBLE

1. He was a man of noble character.
2. It was noble of her to come forward with this information.

Origin of NOBLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nobilis well-known, noble, from noscere to come to know — more at know

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to NOBLE

Synonyms: aristocratic, blue-blooded, genteel, gentle, grand, great, highborn, highbred, patrician, silk-stocking, upper-class, upper-crust, wellborn

Antonyms: baseborn, common, humble, ignoble, low, lower-class, lowly, mean, nonaristocratic, plebeian, ungenteel

Related Words: high, lofty, superior; elevated, ennobled, exalted; gentlemanly, kingly, knightly, ladylike, lordly, princely, queenly, regal, royal; high-level, senior

Near Antonyms: inferior, knavish; bastard, illegitimate; ordinary, plain; abased, degraded; junior, subordinate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at moral

Rhymes with NOBLE

coble, global, mobile