nobility

nobility — noun

1. The social class made up of people who have hereditary titles such as duke, duch

1.名詞B2
釋義

The social class made up of people who have hereditary titles such as duke, duchess, baron, or count, placing them at the top of the social order.

例句

During the French Revolution, many members of the nobility lost their homes and lands.

member of the + nobility

The palace was built for the nobility to gather for celebrations and important meetings.

同義詞
  • aristocracy

    very similar meaning; often used interchangeably, but aristocracy can also imply political influence

  • peerage

    more specific to Britain; refers to the titled ranks of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron

  • upper class

    broader term that includes wealthy people without titles; less formal

反義詞
  • commoners

    people without noble rank or title

  • peasantry

    historical term for the lowest social class of farm workers

文法句型

the + nobility

member of the + nobility

用法筆記

Refers to the social class as a whole, not an individual person. To describe one person, use noble or aristocrat. Usually preceded by the definite article (the nobility).

常見錯誤

❌She is a nobility.
✅She is a member of the nobility.
💡'nobility' describes a class, not an individual; use 'a noble' or 'a member of the nobility' for one person.
❌The nobilities of Europe met at the conference.
✅The nobility of Europe met at the conference.
💡'nobility' is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

2. Qualities of character that make a person morally admirable — such as honesty, c

2.名詞B2
釋義

Qualities of character that make a person morally admirable — such as honesty, courage, kindness, and a willingness to put others before oneself.

例句

The knight's nobility was clear when he gave his last coins to a poor family.

uncountable noun for moral character

Stephanie wrote about the nobility of those who risk their lives to save strangers.

nobility + of + noun phrase

同義詞
  • virtue

    a broader term for any good moral quality; less formal than nobility

  • integrity

    focuses on honesty and strong moral principles rather than courage or kindness

  • moral excellence

    a more explicit, descriptive phrase; less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • dishonor

    loss or lack of respect and good reputation

  • depravity

    stronger and more extreme; suggests complete moral corruption

文法句型

nobility + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal or literary contexts. Often appears in the fixed phrases nobility of spirit or nobility of character.

常見錯誤

❌His nobility was shown when he returned the wallet.
✅His honesty was shown when he returned the wallet.
💡'nobility' for moral quality describes a deep character trait, not a single small action; use it with a significant personal sacrifice or principle.