Ennoble

/ɛˈnoʊbəl/ verb

Definition

To give someone a noble title or rank, or to make someone or something more noble, dignified, or worthy in character.

Etymology

From Old French 'ennobler', composed of 'en-' (to cause to be) + 'noble' (from Latin 'nobilis', meaning well-known, of high birth). The word entered English in the 15th century and has maintained both its literal (conferring titles) and figurative (elevating character) meanings.

Kelly Says

Ennoble is one of those beautiful verbs that shows how adding 'en-' to an adjective can transform it into an action—Shakespeare used it to describe how virtue could 'ennoble' a person, turning an abstract quality into something you could actually do to someone.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.