VocabDictionary

nobility

/noʊˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The group of people belonging to the highest social class in a country, often possessing hereditary titles.

Example Sentences:
  • The French Revolution sought to dismantle the power held by the landed nobility.
  • She was born into the minor nobility and spent her youth in grand country estates.
2.noun

The quality of being honest, brave, and morally good; high-mindedness.

Example Sentences:
  • He acted with great nobility, refusing to blame his colleagues for the mistake.
  • There is a certain nobility in sacrificing one's own comfort for the benefit of others.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “nobility”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'nobilité', which comes from the Latin 'nobilitas', meaning 'fame, celebrity, high birth, or excellence'. It is rooted in the Latin 'nobilis', meaning 'well-known' or 'noble', which itself stems from 'gnoscere', meaning 'to know'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'No-ability'—the nobility were historically those who didn't need the 'ability' to work for a living because they were born into wealth and status.

Frequently Asked Questions About “nobility

1. What is the meaning of “nobility” in English?

In English, nobility (noun) is defined as: “The group of people belonging to the highest social class in a country, often possessing hereditary titles.”.

2. How do you use “nobility” in a sentence?

The French Revolution sought to dismantle the power held by the landed nobility.

3. What are English synonyms of “nobility”?

Common synonyms include:aristocracy,peerage,virtue,magnanimity

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “nobility”?

Derived from the Old French 'nobilité', which comes from the Latin 'nobilitas', meaning 'fame, celebrity, high birth, or excellence'. It is rooted in the Latin 'nobilis', meaning 'well-known' or 'noble', which itself stems from 'gnoscere', meaning 'to know'.