noble
/ˈnəʊb(ə)l
/adjective (nobler, noblest)
1Belonging by rank, title, or birth to the aristocracy: the medieval palace was once owned by a noble Florentine family the Duchess of Kent and several other noble ladies...
- She pulled a necklace that belonged to the noble family from her pocket and threw it on the ground.
- Families knew that their successful integration into the noble ranks of society rested on their lineage being recognized as worthy.
- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born in a noble family at Delhi on October 17, 1817.
Synonyms
aristocratic, noble-born, of noble birth, titled, patrician, blue-blooded, high-born, well born
archaic gentle, of gentle birth
2Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles: the promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration...
- It was a good thing that Allan had the true noble morals and the principles which prevented him from ever taking advantage of Chase's loyalty.
- This personal contact also reminds the student that he or she is part of a larger effort to mobilize the American people for noble intellectual and moral causes.
- A fine noble gentleman, honest and upright, he gained the respect of everybody.
Synonyms
righteous, virtuous, good, honourable, honest, upright, upstanding, decent, worthy, noble-minded, uncorrupted, anti-corruption, moral, ethical, reputable, magnanimous, unselfish, generous, self-sacrificing, brave
lofty, exalted, elevated, grand, sublime, imposing
2.1Of imposing or magnificent size or appearance: noble arches and massive granite columns there is nothing more noble than a mature pine forest...
- Now defiled with graffiti, this noble monument may be as much of a tribute as we'll get for a depression-era Edmonton history; perhaps it's fitting.
- We threaded through the side streets, slowing to pay respect to old grand churches and noble bungalows.
Synonyms
magnificent, splendid, grand, stately, imposing, dignified, distinguished, proud, striking, impressive, majestic, glorious, marvellous, awe-inspiring, awesome, monumental, palatial, statuesque, heroic;
regal, royal, kingly, queenly, princely, imperial
2.2Of excellent or superior quality: Chardonnay is the noble grape from which some of the finest white wines are produced...
- But salvation is now at hand for lovers of the noble grape who previously had no option but to pour away their expensive and lovingly laid-down bottles.
- If you have been disappointed by bottles bearing such names, do not blame Reisling - it has nothing whatsoever to do with this noble grape.
- I am still yet to be convinced that Argentinian Malbec is one of the great wines of the world, or the Malbec is a truly noble grape variety.
Synonyms
excellent, splendid, marvellous, magnificent, superb, fine, wonderful, exceptional, formidable, sublime, prime, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, grade A, superior, supreme, flawless, choice, select, finest, superlative, model
informal tip-top, A1, top-notch
noun
1(Especially in former times) a person of noble rank or birth: the greater a noble’s military power, the more land he could control the king imposed a tax on both nobles and peasants...
- She was walking her highest ranked nobles in front of her and her ladies in waiting behind.
- Since it was the day after the great ball, all the suitors and nobles with rank were still sleeping.
- The castles of the rebellious barons were razed and the nobles never challenged the duke's power again.
Synonyms
aristocrat, nobleman, noblewoman, lord, lady, peer, peeress, peer of the realm, patrician, titled man/woman/person
informal aristo
British informal nob, rah
2 historical A former English gold coin first issued in 1351.
Phrases
the noble art (or science) (of self-defence)
Derivatives
nobleness
/ noun ...- He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past.
- They have a nobleness about them that the bigger parties lack.
- So, you see, the mission of our show is to inspire nobleness and a positive way of thinking.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French, from Latin (g)nobilis 'noted, high-born', from an Indo-European root shared by know.