noble

no•ble

[[t]ˈnoʊ bəl[/t]] adj. -bler, -blest, n.

1) distinguished by rank or title

2) pertaining to persons so distinguished

3) of, belonging to, or constituting a hereditary class that has special social or political status in a country or state; aristocratic

4) of an exalted moral character or excellence

5) imposing; magnificent

6) of an admirably high quality

7) chem. inert; chemically inactive

8) a person of noble birth or rank

9) num a former gold coin of England

•

Etymology: 1175–1225; < OF < L (g)nōbilis notable, of high rank, from (g)nō(scere) to get to know no′ble•ness, n. no′bly, adv. syn: noble, high-minded, magnanimous suggest moral excellence and high ideals. noble implies superior moral qualities and an exalted mind, character, or spirit that scorns the petty, base, or dishonorable: a noble sacrifice. high-minded suggests exalted moral principles, thoughts, or sentiments: a high-minded speech on social reform. magnanimous adds the idea of generosity, shown by a willingness to forgive injuries or overlook insults: The magnanimous ruler granted amnesty to the rebels.