nobility

USAGE SUMMARY

"nobility" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe those of high social standing or the quality of being noble. For example: The King was surrounded by nobility, further elevating his reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One ambassadorial visit was to the "exquisite" home of the Regla family who my grandfather described as "perfect types of nobility – interested in everything, knowing about everything, and amazingly graceful".

The Guardian - Opinion

This newspaper ran a column raging against the exile of "a man of quite exceptional nobility".

The Guardian - Opinion

There were the much outweighed positives, too: the unrecognised acts of kindness and compassion; the many fine, uplifting speeches that go unreported because they do not fit the pugilistic tenor of question time; the fine people who really do get into politics to make a difference; and the families who make it work because of their belief in the nobility of public service.

The Guardian - Books

Throughout my work on the Single Form I have kept in mind Dag Hammarskjöld's ideas of human and aesthetic ideology and I have tried to perfect a symbol that would reflect the nobility of his life, and at the same time give us a motive and symbol of both continuity and solidarity for the future…" The success of Single Form led to many more commissions in bronze for Hepworth, more public statuary.

The Guardian - Arts

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown, with a characteristic combination of nobility and strangeness, announced that he would be spending part of his summer holiday working on a community project in Kirkcaldy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Longford's memory will live on, if not for the scale of his achievements then certainly because of his courage, tenacity and nobility in trying.

The Guardian

"Marrying a foreigner was considered worse than marrying a Jew," one of Saint-Exupéry's family told me, summing up the monarchist, anti-semitic and fiercely xenophobic family whose nobility dates back to the 12th century.

The Guardian - Books

"He has demonstrated by that act an uncommon grace and nobility," he told Channels television.

The Guardian

Hardly surprising given England and Ireland have been in a state of almost continuous hostility, from the first Norman invasion, through the settlements under Henry VIII and a period of suppression and famine that led Jonathan Swift to propose the Irish might be better off selling their children as food to the English nobility, even going so far as to suggest a few recipes.

The Guardian - Sport

It should be fun, but MGM had an attack of nobility during production and the going got increasingly funereal.One whiff of Christianity and crowd-pleasers fell solemnly to their knees.

The Economist

Mr Clegg, who has for months now been wearing the mask of nobility in pain briefly perfected by Mr Portillo, protests that Lib Dem canvassing returns suggest he is safe, and that the pollsters erred in failing to attach his name to the electoral choice in Sheffield Hallam.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical contexts, use "nobility" to accurately reflect the social hierarchy and the privileges associated with the noble class. For contemporary usage, consider alternatives like "integrity" or "honor" if you want to emphasize moral qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "nobility" when you actually mean "snobbery". "Nobility" refers to inherent qualities or a social class, while "snobbery" describes an attitude of looking down on those considered inferior.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nobility" is as a noun. It functions either as a collective noun referring to a social class or as an abstract noun referring to a quality. Examples from Ludwig illustrate both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nobility" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either a privileged social class or the quality of being noble. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While "nobility" is frequently found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal and business settings. When using "nobility", be mindful of its distinct meaning, differentiating it from related terms such as "snobbery". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aristocracy

Refers specifically to the highest class in certain societies, often hereditary.

nobleness

Emphasizes the quality of being morally good or honorable.

excellence of character

Highlights moral superiority and virtuous attributes.

moral high ground

Focuses on a position of ethical superiority.

magnanimity

Implies generosity and forgivingness, particularly towards a rival or someone less powerful.

high-mindedness

Suggests elevated principles and refined intellect.

grandeur

Focuses on impressive beauty or scale.

upper class

Denotes a privileged social stratum, often associated with wealth and influence.

virtue

Highlights moral excellence and righteousness.

dignity

Emphasizes a sense of self-respect and composure.

FAQs

How is "nobility" typically used in a sentence?

The word "nobility" can refer to a social class or a personal quality. For example, "The French nobility held significant power" or "Her nobility of spirit inspired many".

What words can I use instead of "nobility"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aristocracy" (if referring to a social class), "nobleness", or "magnanimity" (if referring to a quality).

Is it correct to use "nobility" to describe someone's character?

Yes, it is correct. "Nobility" can describe the quality of being noble in character, indicating high moral principles and ideals.

What is the difference between "nobility" and "royalty"?

"Nobility" refers to a privileged social class, often hereditary, while "royalty" specifically refers to members of a ruling family or dynasty. While "royalty" can be part of the "nobility", the terms are not interchangeable.