nobility
/nou'biliti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the state of being of noble birth
- the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct
- a privileged class holding hereditary titles