Noble
/ˈnoʊ.bəl/noun
Belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status.
Did you know?In medieval times, the term 'noble' was closely linked to 'nobility of spirit,' suggesting that true nobility was measured not just by birth, but by virtue and valor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰen-
“to be born, to generate, to produce.”
Latin
Latin
nobilis
“well-known, famous, of high birth.”
Old French
Old French
noble
“renowned, of noble birth.”
Middle English
Middle English
noble
“of high birth or rank, illustrious.”
Modern English
English
noble
“referring to someone of high social status or moral character.”