WordGarden.ioennoble
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ɪˈnoʊbəl/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone or something seem more dignified, honorable, or morally admirable
to give someone a noble title or rank
Beyond the definition
To ennoble someone is not just about giving them a title like "Lord" or "Lady," though it can involve that. It is about lifting their character, making them more admirable, or giving them greater dignity. Think of a selfless act: it can ennoble the person who performs it. Or consider a story that celebrates courage and kindness; it can make those qualities seem higher and more worthy in all of us.
The word suggests adding something noble, like dignity, honor, or virtue, to someone or something. A difficult experience can ennoble a person by teaching them resilience. Writers such as Shakespeare used "ennoble" to describe how great deeds could raise a person's status and reputation. It is not just about social standing; it is also about moral growth.
To ennoble means to elevate someone in rank, honor, or character. While historically it referred to the act of granting nobility, like bestowing a title upon someone, its meaning has broadened over time. Today, we often use "ennoble" to describe making a person, action, or idea seem more dignified, honorable, or morally elevated, even without formal recognition.
For example, a sacrifice made for a noble cause can ennoble the person who makes it. A writer might ennoble a historical figure by portraying them with courage and integrity. Or a community might be ennobled by overcoming adversity together. It's about adding a layer of respect, admiration, or moral worth.
The root of "ennoble" comes from Old French enobler, meaning "to make noble." It implies not just raising someone's status but also enhancing their inherent qualities. A simple act of kindness can ennoble the giver, while a life dedicated to service can ennoble an entire legacy.
Unlike simply honoring someone, which acknowledges existing worth, to ennoble suggests helping bring out nobility or adding a sense of higher worth. It is about transformation and elevation, making someone or something more worthy of admiration and respect. So, when you see a story that fills you with awe, remember that it is not just entertaining; it can also lift your spirit.
Examples
- 1
Art
He believed that art should ennoble the mind.
- 2
Caregiving
Years of caring for her father had ennobled her sense of duty.
- 3
Public struggle
The speech tried to ennoble their struggle by linking it to justice.
- Patternennoble X by + idea/action
make it seem more worthy through it
- 4
Literary judgment
In the novel, even his failures are ennobled by the honesty with which he accepts them.
- Patternbe ennobled by + quality/action
be made to seem more worthy by it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ennobleverb
Forms
- ennobledpast tenseverb
- ennobling-ing formverb
- ennoblesverb