nobility
gb/noʊbˈɪləti/ us/noʊbˈɪləti/
B1
English
~ 4400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
People of high social rank
People from the highest social class, often with special titles and power.
Usage pattern:
the nobility of [a country]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'nobility' with 'nobleness'. 'Nobility' refers to a group or class, while 'nobleness' refers to a quality.
Synonyms
aristocracy (More formal; often used interchangeably but can emphasize governance by the elite.)
Antonyms
commoners (Refers to people without noble rank or titles.)
Collocations
hereditary nobility
|landed nobility
|European nobility
|nobility title
Themes
society
|history
|politics
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Examples
- The French Revolution greatly reduced the power of the nobility.
- Members of the nobility were granted large estates by the king.
- 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.
- Many in the nobility had large houses.
- The nobility had more power than common people.
- Some in the nobility wore fine clothes.
- The nobility met with the queen.
Noun
formal
B2
property
2
High moral character or ideals
The quality of being very good, kind, and honest.
Usage pattern:
the nobility of [someone's] actions
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'nobility' here with social class. In this sense it is about character, not rank.
Synonyms
honor (Focuses on personal integrity and moral uprightness.)
Antonyms
selfishness (Opposite in focusing only on one's own interests, without regard for others.)
Collocations
nobility of spirit
|moral nobility
|nobility of purpose
Themes
morality
|character
|core_vocabulary
|emotions
Examples
- Her decision to forgive showed great nobility of spirit.
- He was admired for the nobility of his intentions.
- 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.
- He has nobility in his heart.
- The teacher spoke with nobility.
- Helping others is a sign of nobility.
- He acted with nobility when he told the truth.
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.