Main Entry: ¹no·ble

Pronunciation: \ˈnō-bəl\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): no·bler \-b(ə-)lər\; no·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\

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

Date: 13th century

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

synonyms see moral

— no·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun

— no·bly \-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb