n.
Pronunciation: ' n ō -b ə l
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: no · bler \ -b( ə -)l ə r \ ; no · blest \ -b( ə -)l ə st \
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nobilis well-known, noble, from noscere to come to know ― more at KNOW
Date: 13th century
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
synonyms see MORAL
– no · ble · ness \ -b ə l-n ə s \ noun
– no · bly \ -bl ē also -b ə -l ē \ adverb