nobility
gb/noʊbˈɪləti/ us/noʊbˈɪləti/
B1
English
~ 4400
nemesség, arisztokrácia, nemeslelkűség
NOUN
B1
1
nemesség
B2
Usage pattern:
the nobility of [a country]
The French Revolution greatly reduced the power of the nobility.
A francia forradalom nagymértékben csökkentette a nemesség hatalmát.
Members of the nobility were granted large estates by the king.
A nemesség tagjai nagy birtokokat kaptak a királytól.
The nobility often lived in grand castles and palaces.
In medieval times, the nobility controlled most of the land.
The ceremony was attended by members of the local nobility.
Learner examples
The king spoke to the nobility.
A király a nemességhez beszélt.
Many in the nobility had large houses.
A nemesség sok tagjának nagy háza volt.
The nobility had more power than common people.
Some in the nobility wore fine clothes.
The nobility met with the queen.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'nobility' with 'nobleness'. 'Nobility' refers to a group or class, while 'nobleness' refers to a quality.
Meaning
People of high social rank
Collocations
hereditary nobility
|landed nobility
|European nobility
|nobility title
Synonyms
aristocracy (More formal; often used interchangeably but can emphasize governance by the elite.)
Antonyms
commoners (Refers to people without noble rank or titles.)
Themes
society
|history
|politics
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Definition
People from the highest social class, often with special titles and power.
A group of people belonging to the highest social class, often with hereditary titles and privileges.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
2
nemesség
C1
Usage pattern:
the nobility of [someone's] actions
Her decision to forgive showed great nobility of spirit.
Az, hogy megbocsátott, nagy lelki nemességről tanúskodott.
He was admired for the nobility of his intentions.
Csodálták szándékainak nemességéért.
The rescue workers acted with true nobility.
We should all strive for a certain nobility in our dealings with others.
His generosity reflected his inner nobility.
Learner examples
She showed nobility when she helped her enemy.
Nemeslelkűségről tett tanúbizonyságot, amikor segített az ellenségének.
He has nobility in his heart.
Nemes lelkű ember.
The teacher spoke with nobility.
Helping others is a sign of nobility.
He acted with nobility when he told the truth.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'nobility' here with social class. In this sense it is about character, not rank.
Meaning
High moral character or ideals
Collocations
nobility of spirit
|moral nobility
|nobility of purpose
Synonyms
honor (Focuses on personal integrity and moral uprightness.)
Antonyms
selfishness (Opposite in focusing only on one's own interests, without regard for others.)
Themes
morality
|character
|core_vocabulary
|emotions
Definition
The quality of being very good, kind, and honest.
The quality of being morally good, generous, or honorable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nobility
IPA
GB/noʊbˈɪləti/
US/noʊbˈɪləti/
Syllables & stress
no - bil - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (bil)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: nobility
- Plural: nobilities, nobility
Word family
Expressions
nobility of purpose
1/noʊbˈɪləti əv pˈɚpəs/
fixed phrase
formal
High moral goals or aims
When someone's goal is very good and moral.
Examples
- The project was driven by a true nobility of purpose.
- He admired the nobility of purpose behind her work.
nobility of spirit
1/noʊbˈɪləti əv spˈɪɹɪt/
fixed phrase
formal
Generous and honorable nature
A way of talking about someone being kind, fair, and good inside.
Examples
- Despite his poverty, he displayed a remarkable nobility of spirit.
- Her kindness to strangers showed her true nobility of spirit.
the landed nobility
1/ðə lˈændɪd noʊbˈɪləti/
fixed phrase
Land-owning noble class
Noble people who own a lot of land.
Examples
- The landed nobility held significant economic and political power.
- In that era, the landed nobility controlled most agriculture.