Ennoble
/ɪˈnoʊbəl/noun
To give someone or something greater dignity, honor, or nobility.
Did you know?Latin nobilis originally meant “well-known” or “famous,” linking nobility not to blood alone, but to being publicly recognized.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵneh₃-
“to know or recognize”
Ancient Latin
Latin
gnōscere / nōscere
“to come to know or recognize”
Classical Latin
Latin
nobilis
“well-known, famous, distinguished; later noble”
9th–12th Century
Old French
noble
“of high rank, distinguished, noble”
12th–13th Century
Old French
ennoblir
“to make noble or elevate in status”
14th Century
Middle English
ennoblen
“to make noble, dignify, or exalt”
Modern English
English
ennoble
“to give dignity, honor, or noble character”