Definition

Adverb: - In a manner that is dishonorable, lacking in dignity, or unworthy of respect; characterized by baseness or moral degradation. - In a way that is not noble in character, quality, or purpose; meanly or despicably.

Usage

The adverb "ignobly" describes how an action is performed, specifically indicating that the action is done in a dishonorable, mean-spirited, or undignified way. It modifies verbs.

Examples

• The general was accused of surrendering ignobly to save his own life, rather than fighting for his troops.
• After the scandal, the politician resigned ignobly, leaving his party in disarray.
• He argued that profiting from others' misfortune is to live ignobly.

Advanced Usage

• "to die ignobly": to die in a manner that is dishonorable or without the dignity associated with a heroic or respectable death.
  • The tyrant died ignobly, alone and despised by his people.
• "to act ignobly": to behave in a base, mean, or contemptible manner.
  • True leaders do not act ignobly, even when faced with great pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• Ignoble (adjective): Not honorable in character or purpose; mean.
  • His motives were revealed to be ignoble.
• Ignobility (noun): The state or quality of being ignoble. (Less common)

Synonyms

• Dishonorably
• Despicably
• Contemptibly
• Basely
• Meanly
• Shamefully

Antonyms

• Nobly
• Honorably
• Admirably
• Dignifiedly

Adverb

1. in a currish manner; meanspiritedly
   • he behaved ignobly