nobility

nobility — noun

1. The social class made up of people who have hereditary titles such as duke, duch

1.nounB2
Definition

The social class made up of people who have hereditary titles such as duke, duchess, baron, or count, placing them at the top of the social order.

Example

During the French Revolution, many members of the nobility lost their homes and lands.

member of the + nobility

The palace was built for the nobility to gather for celebrations and important meetings.

Common collocations
  • the nobility
  • French nobility
  • British nobility
  • Russian nobility
  • member of the nobility
  • title of nobility
Synonyms
  • aristocracy

    very similar meaning; often used interchangeably, but aristocracy can also imply political influence

  • peerage

    more specific to Britain; refers to the titled ranks of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron

  • upper class

    broader term that includes wealthy people without titles; less formal

Antonyms
  • commoners

    people without noble rank or title

  • peasantry

    historical term for the lowest social class of farm workers

Grammar Patterns

the + nobility

member of the + nobility

Usage Note

Refers to the social class as a whole, not an individual person. To describe one person, use noble or aristocrat. Usually preceded by the definite article (the nobility).

Common Mistakes

She is a nobility.
She is a member of the nobility.
'nobility' describes a class, not an individual; use 'a noble' or 'a member of the nobility' for one person.
The nobilities of Europe met at the conference.
The nobility of Europe met at the conference.
'nobility' is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

2. Qualities of character that make a person morally admirable — such as honesty, c

2.nounB2
Definition

Qualities of character that make a person morally admirable — such as honesty, courage, kindness, and a willingness to put others before oneself.

Example

The knight's nobility was clear when he gave his last coins to a poor family.

uncountable noun for moral character

Stephanie wrote about the nobility of those who risk their lives to save strangers.

nobility + of + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • nobility of spirit
  • nobility of character
  • moral nobility
Synonyms
  • virtue

    a broader term for any good moral quality; less formal than nobility

  • integrity

    focuses on honesty and strong moral principles rather than courage or kindness

  • moral excellence

    a more explicit, descriptive phrase; less common in everyday speech

Antonyms
  • dishonor

    loss or lack of respect and good reputation

  • depravity

    stronger and more extreme; suggests complete moral corruption

Grammar Patterns

nobility + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used in formal or literary contexts. Often appears in the fixed phrases nobility of spirit or nobility of character.

Common Mistakes

His nobility was shown when he returned the wallet.
His honesty was shown when he returned the wallet.
'nobility' for moral quality describes a deep character trait, not a single small action; use it with a significant personal sacrifice or principle.

Word family

  • noble
    adjectiveB1
  • noble
    nounB2
  • nobly
    adverbB2
  • noblesse
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to society's highest social layers, but they differ in scope and formality. Nobility and aristocracy are the closest synonyms and are often used interchangeably, though aristocracy can also imply political influence or governing power. Peerage is narrower and specific to Britain — it refers only to the five titled ranks (duke, marquess, earl, viscount, baron) and excludes untitled noble families. Upper class is the broadest term, covering wealthy and influential people who may or may not hold titles; it is also the most informal and common in everyday speech. Gentry refers historically to the landowning class just below the titled nobility — people with coats of arms but no peerage title. For example: 'The French nobility lost many privileges in 1789.' 'The British peerage sits in the House of Lords.' 'She comes from a very wealthy upper-class family.' 'The local gentry owned most of the farmland in the county.'

aristocracy ↗peerageupper classgentry

Common collocations

Phrases

  • title of nobility
  • member of the nobility

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word nobility comes from the Latin nobilitas, meaning 'fame, high birth, or excellence.' This in turn came from nobilis ('well-known, famous, noble'), which is built from the root noscere ('to get to know') — the idea being that noble people were 'known' or 'famous.' The word entered English through Old French nobilite during the Middle Ages, first carrying the sense of high social rank, and later also gaining the sense of admirable moral character.