noble

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "noble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone who is admirably selfless and generous or someone of high rank or station. For example: "The noble knight fought to defend the kingdom from invaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are right to say that work is a noble calling, that good work generates value, and that workers should be treated with dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they carry themselves with grace, stand for something noble, serve as ambassadors to a better way.

The Guardian - Books

However, Friday's headlines weren't about about the NHS, Europe or who has the more noble values – instead they were about New Labour's economic record and Miliband's potential deals with Nicola Sturgeon.

The Guardian

He continued: "As Jews we have a tradition of atonement, it is a rich and noble concept.

The Guardian

There, in a footnote to the text, he notes that "a noble animal in a large glass case" had come up for sale in 1818, a specimen that claimed to be "the last Wolf killed in Scotland by Sir E. Cameron".

The Guardian

I became his noble valet, reduced to even greater humiliations, and even now I am reduced to verbal automatism in thrall to his deity.

The Guardian - Books

I give the name violence to a noble boldness that hankers for danger, and I have seen it in many of the pimps and thieves I have worked with, men whose authority and beatific treachery bent me to their will.

The Guardian - Books

The one point on which I'm inclined to agree with the noble lord, and on which evidence abounds in spades, is the fact that even now, 35 years after the Sex Discrimination Act came into force, the laws protecting women against pregnancy discrimination at work are being flouted, and seemingly indiscriminately.

The Guardian - Opinion

A noble dish that once graced the banquet tables of the imperial Mughal court, rich with cream and nuts and heavily scented with expensive spice, has become a byword for bland, a "starter" curry, beloved of children and others with unadventurous tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The girls are often born into slavery in a rigid caste system where "noble-borns", usually lighter-skinned Moors, indirectly or directly own darker-skinned Moors or black Africans.

The Guardian

From £1,895pp for six nights' full-board, including most shore excursions (020-7752 0000, noble-caledonia.co.uk) Star Clippers is offering two one-week yoga cruises in Greece and Turkey this summer on one of its tall sailing ships.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble" to describe actions, individuals, or ideals that embody high principles or exceptional worth. Be aware of its slightly formal tone, making it suitable for more elevated or serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "noble" in casual conversation or informal writing where it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural synonyms like "great", "good", or "honorable" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "noble" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to denote qualities of high moral character, elevated social status, or impressive grandeur. Ludwig examples show its use in describing a "noble calling", "noble animal", and "noble effort".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities possessing high moral qualities, elevated social standing, or impressive grandeur. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as modifying nouns to convey admiration and respect. While grammatically correct and very common in reputable news sources like The Guardian, its formality should be considered in informal contexts. Using synonyms such as "honorable" or "dignified" may be preferable in casual settings. Ludwig examples illustrate its adaptability in describing diverse subjects ranging from "noble efforts" to "noble animals", making it a valuable word in formal, professional, and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honorable

Focuses specifically on adherence to ethical principles and integrity.

dignified

Emphasizes stateliness and worthiness of respect.

magnificent

Highlights grandeur and splendor, often in a visual sense.

exalted

Suggests a position of high rank or esteem.

grand

Emphasizes impressiveness and scale.

stately

Conveys elegance and formality, often associated with architecture or bearing.

virtuous

Highlights moral excellence and righteousness.

illustrious

Focuses on renown and distinguished achievement.

generous

Emphasizes selflessness and a willingness to give.

chivalrous

Highlights courteousness and valor, especially in the context of male behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "noble" in a sentence?

You can use "noble" to describe something having admirable qualities or high moral principles. For example, "He made a "noble effort" to help those in need" or "She is a "noble woman", admired for her integrity."

What are some synonyms for "noble"?

Alternatives to "noble" include "honorable", "dignified", "magnificent", and "exalted". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

Is it correct to use "noble" to describe an object?

Yes, "noble" can describe an object if it possesses qualities of grandeur or excellence. For instance, "a "noble edifice"" refers to a grand and impressive building, or "noble animal" refers to an animal of great appearance.

What is the difference between "noble" and "nobel"?

"Noble" refers to admirable qualities or high social status, while "Nobel" typically refers to the Nobel Prizes, named after Alfred Nobel. They are spelled and pronounced differently and have distinct meanings.