Nobility
noʊˈbɪləti
Definitions
2 meaningsThe quality of being noble in character, mind, or spirit; excellence of character, high moral qualities.
noʊˈbɪləti
The state of being noble in quality or character.
The nobility of his actions was evident to everyone.
💡 Simply: Nobility is like having a really good heart and always trying to do the right thing, even when it's hard. Imagine a superhero who always helps others – that's nobility!
👶 For kids: Being a noble person means being kind and good.
More Examples
She admired the nobility in his character, despite his flaws.
The story celebrated the nobility of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
How It's Used
"The characters in the historical novel demonstrated a sense of nobility in their actions."
"The speaker argued for the nobility of hard work and perseverance."
A social class, typically ranked highest in a society, possessing inherited titles, wealth, and privileges.
noʊˈbɪləti
A privileged social class.
The king and queen belong to the nobility.
💡 Simply: Think of a group of people who are really fancy and important because they were born into a special family. Like kings, queens, dukes, and duchesses!
👶 For kids: Nobility is the fancy people who have special titles, like a prince or princess.
More Examples
The nobility held a position of power and influence in the medieval era.
The privileges of the nobility were often challenged by those outside the class.
How It's Used
"The French nobility enjoyed significant privileges before the revolution."
"The aristocracy was viewed by some as a part of the nobility that possessed power by birthright."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Noblesse Oblige
The inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and kindness toward those less fortunate.
"As a member of the aristocracy, he felt a sense of noblesse oblige and supported charitable causes."
From Middle English *nobilité*, from Old French *nobilité*, from Latin *nobilitas* ('fame, renown, excellence'), from *nobilis* ('noble').
Used to describe the privileged classes of society from the medieval period onwards; later extended to encompass moral excellence.
Memory tip
Think of a noble knight: chivalry, courage, and honor represent nobility.
Word Origin
"nobilitas ('fame, renown, excellence')"