Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being of noble birth: The condition of belonging to a family of high social rank, typically with hereditary titles.
   • The quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct: The personal quality of being noble in character, showing high moral principles, honor, and generosity.
   • A privileged class holding hereditary titles: The social class, often in a monarchy, consisting of people with inherited ranks and titles such as duke, earl, or baron.

Usage Examples

• The state of being of noble birth:
  • His nobility was unquestioned, as his family line could be traced back to the Norman Conquest.
• The quality of elevation of mind and character:
  • She was respected not for her wealth, but for her nobility in forgiving those who wronged her.
• A privileged class holding hereditary titles:
  • The king summoned the nobility to the palace to discuss the new tax laws.

Advanced Usage

• "Nobility of purpose": The quality of having high-minded, unselfish, or honorable intentions.
  • The charity's work was driven by a true nobility of purpose.
• "The ancient nobility": Refers specifically to the aristocratic class from historical periods.
  • The castle had been in the possession of the ancient nobility for centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Noble (adj): Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles; belonging to a hereditary aristocratic class.
  • It was a noble gesture to donate the entire prize money.
• Noble (n): A person belonging to the aristocracy; a peer.
  • The nobles gathered in the great hall.
• Nobly (adv): In a way that shows fine personal qualities or high moral principles; bravely or honorably.
  • He acted nobly in defending the truth.

Synonyms

• Aristocracy: The highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles.
• Gentry: People of good social position, specifically the class of people next below the nobility.
• Grandeur: Splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style; can imply moral loftiness.
• Magnanimity: The fact or condition of being magnanimous; generosity.

Antonyms

• Commonality: The state of sharing features or attributes; the common people.
• Ignobility: The state of being ignoble; low birth or character.
• Baseness: Lack of moral principles; bad character.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Nobility obliges" (from French ): The inferred obligation of people of high birth or rank to act honorably and generously.
  • He used his wealth to help the poor, believing that nobility obliges.

Noun

1. the state of being of noble birth
2. the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct
3. a privileged class holding hereditary titles