First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1noble
adjective no·ble \ˈnō-bəl\
: having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire (such as honesty, generosity, courage, etc.)
: of, relating to, or belonging to the highest social class : of, relating to, or belonging to the nobility
: impressive in size or appearance
no·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ no·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\
Full Definition of NOBLE
1
a : possessing outstanding qualities : illustrious b : famous, notable <noble deeds>
2
: of high birth or exalted rank : aristocratic
3
a : possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties <noble wine> b : very good or excellent
4
: grand or impressive especially in appearance <noble edifice>
5
: possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals : lofty <a noble ambition>
6
: chemically inert or inactive especially toward oxygen <a noble metal such as platinum> — compare base 6a
— no·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun
— no·bly \-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of NOBLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nobilis well-known, noble, from noscere to come to know — more at know
Related to NOBLE
- Synonyms
- aristocratic, blue-blooded, genteel, gentle, grand, great, highborn, highbred, patrician, silk-stocking, upper-class, upper-crust, wellborn
Synonym Discussion of NOBLE
moral, ethical, virtuous, righteous, noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong <the basic moral values of a community>. ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity <committed to the highest ethical principles>. virtuous implies moral excellence in character <not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless>. righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious <wished to be righteous before God and the world>. noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character <had the noblest of reasons for seeking office>.
2noble
noun
: a person who is a member of the nobility
Full Definition of NOBLE
1
: a person of noble rank or birth
2
: an old English gold coin equivalent to 6s 8d
See noble defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NOBLE
14th century
Related to NOBLE
- Synonyms
- aristocrat, blue blood, gentle, gentleperson, patrician
Other Government and Politics Terms
NOBLE Defined for Kids
1noble
adjective no·ble \ˈnō-bəl\
no·blerno·blest
Definition of NOBLE for Kids
1
: having or showing very fine or admirable qualities <a noble deed> <He was a noble person of courage and honesty.>
2
: of very high birth or rank <a noble lady>
3
: grand in appearance <a noble cathedral>
— no·ble·ness noun
— no·bly \-blē\ adverb
2noble
noun
Definition of NOBLE for Kids
: a person of high birth or rank
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