What does nobility mean?
Nobility is principally used in two related ways. It can denote a privileged social class, especially one composed of nobles, aristocrats, peers, or hereditary rulers. In this historical and political sense, phrases such as "the nobility" refer to people whose rank and privileges derive from noble ancestry or title. Nobility can also describe high moral character, dignity, courage, or integrity, as in "nobility of character." This second use is common in formal and commemorative language and often praises qualities that transcend social status. The word may occasionally suggest grandeur or dignity more generally, particularly when describing conduct, language, or an institution. Across its senses, nobility is associated with tradition, privilege, honor, and elevated character. Its social meaning is especially prominent in discussions of monarchies, aristocracies, and historical political systems, while its moral meaning remains common in modern English.
nounNobility is the social class of noble people, especially a hereditary aristocracy, and more generally the quality of being morally noble, dignified, or honorable.
- The people belonging to a noble or aristocratic class, especially one whose status is hereditary.
- Noble or honorable character; moral excellence and dignity.
"Her nobility of character earned the respect of people far beyond her own community."
"The nobility has historically wielded considerable political and social influence."
"She showed great nobility by defending someone she knew was unpopular."
Rare; used chiefly for noble qualities or instances of noble character.
"The speech praised the courage and self-sacrifice that he regarded as the great noblities of the age."
You can be born into the nobility, but you still have to earn nobility of character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nobility come from?
Nobility entered Middle English through Old French noblesse, from Latin nobilitas, a noun derived from nobilis, meaning "noble" or "renowned." The word originally referred to the quality or rank of being noble and also came to denote the collective body of noble people. English later extended the word into moral contexts such as "nobility of character," while related forms including noble, nobleman, nobiliary, and ignoble reflect the same Latin nobilis root.
How nobility is actually used
Nobility is formal and often historical when referring to a social class. In moral contexts, it is commonly paired with words such as "character," "spirit," or "purpose" and carries a strongly complimentary connotation.