noble

adjective NOH-bleh Less Common

Origin: From Latin nobilis (well-known, of high birth).

Also means

honourable

Usage Note

Noble functions as both adjective and noun (un noble = a nobleman). As an adjective it can describe aristocratic lineage (familia noble) or moral character (un gesto noble = a noble gesture). The noun nobleza means both the nobility (as a class) and nobility of character. The phrase nobleza obliga (noblesse oblige) is used in Spanish too.

Examples

"Fue un gesto muy noble de su parte."

Natural Translation

It was a very noble gesture on his part.

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