Nobley vs. Noble: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 29, 2024
"Nobley" is an adverb meaning to act in a noble manner, while "noble" is an adjective describing someone with high moral qualities or aristocratic status.
Key Differences
"Nobley" is an adverb used to describe the manner in which an action is performed, implying that the action is done with nobility, honor, or high moral principles. For example, one might say, "He acted nobley in the face of adversity," indicating that his actions were honorable and dignified. "Noble," on the other hand, is an adjective that describes a person or their actions as possessing high moral qualities or being of aristocratic birth. For instance, "She is a noble woman" means she has admirable character traits or belongs to the nobility.
"Nobley" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to explain how actions are carried out, while "noble" as an adjective describes the inherent qualities of a person or thing. For example, "He lived a noble life" refers to his high moral standards, whereas "He acted nobley" focuses on the manner of his actions.
The term "noble" also has broader usage in describing objects, such as noble metals (like gold and silver), which are considered valuable and resistant to corrosion. This usage underscores the idea of superiority and worthiness associated with the word "noble."
While "nobley" is rarely used, "noble" is commonly found in literature, history, and everyday language to signify virtue, honor, and high social status. "Noble" has diverse applications, ranging from describing ethical behavior to denoting rank and prestige.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective/Noun
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Definition
In a noble manner
Possessing high moral qualities; aristocratic
Usage
Describes the manner of an action
Describes inherent qualities or status
Modern Usage
Rare
Common
Example
"He acted nobley."
"She is a noble person."
Nobley and Noble Definitions
Nobley
In a noble manner.
He acted nobley during the crisis, showing great courage.
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Noble
Of aristocratic birth or rank.
The noble family had a long history of service to the country.
Nobley
Honorably or virtuously.
The knight fought nobley for his kingdom.
Noble
Superior in quality or worth.
Gold is considered a noble metal.
Nobley
With high moral standards.
She spoke nobley in defense of her principles.
Noble
Magnificent or stately.
The castle had a noble appearance.
Nobley
With dignity and respect.
They accepted their loss nobley.
Noble
Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development.
Nobley
In a way that reflects nobility.
He treated his opponents nobley, even in defeat.
Noble
Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor
A noble spirit.
Nobley
The body of nobles; the nobility.
Noble
Proceeding from or indicative of such a character; showing magnanimity
"What poor an instrument / May do a noble deed!" (Shakespeare).
Nobley
Noble birth; nobility; dignity.
Noble
Grand and stately in appearance; majestic
"a mighty Spanish chestnut, bare now of leaves, but in summer a noble tree" (Richard Jeffries).
Noble
(Chemistry) Inactive or inert.
Noble
A member of the nobility.
Noble
A gold coin formerly used in England, worth half of a mark.
Noble
An aristocrat; one of aristocratic blood.
This country house was occupied by nobles in the 16th century.
Noble
(historical) A medieval gold coin of England in the 14th and 15th centuries, usually valued at 6s 8d.
Noble
Having honorable qualities; having moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean or dubious in conduct and character.
He made a noble effort.
He is a noble man who would never put his family in jeopardy.
Noble
Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid.
A noble edifice
Noble
Of exalted rank; of or relating to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title; highborn.
Noble blood; a noble personage
Noble
Both isohedral and isogonal.
Noble
Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable; magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart.
Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belongTo nobler poets for a nobler song.
Noble
Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble edifice.
Noble
Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title; highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
Noble
A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer.
Noble
An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value of 6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about $1.61 (in 1913).
Noble
A European fish; the lyrie.
Noble
To make noble; to ennoble.
Thou nobledest so far forth our nature.
Noble
A titled peer of the realm
Noble
Having high moral qualities;
A noble spirit
A solid citizen
An upstanding man
A worthy successor
Noble
Impressive in appearance;
A baronial mansion
An imposing residence
A noble tree
Severe-looking policemen sat astride noble horses
Stately columns
Noble
Of or belonging to or constituting the hereditary aristocracy especially as derived from feudal times;
Of noble birth
Noble
Having or showing or indicative of high or elevated character;
A noble spirit
Noble deeds
Noble
Inert especially toward oxygen;
A noble gas such as helium or neon
Noble metals include gold and silver and platinum
Noble
Having high moral qualities.
Her noble actions inspired everyone around her.
Noble
Possessing qualities befitting a noble.
His noble demeanor earned him respect.
FAQs
What part of speech is "noble"?
"Noble" is an adjective and can also be a noun.
How would you use "nobley" in a sentence?
E.g., "He acted nobley during the negotiation, maintaining his integrity."
Is "nobley" a commonly used word?
No, "nobley" is rarely used; "nobly" is the more common adverb form.
Can "noble" describe an object?
Yes, "noble" can describe objects, such as noble metals like gold.
What does "noble" mean when referring to a person?
When referring to a person, "noble" means having high moral qualities or being of aristocratic birth.
What does "nobley" mean?
"Nobley" means in a noble manner, acting with honor or high moral standards.
Give an example sentence with "noble" as an adjective.
E.g., "Her noble spirit was admired by all."
Can "noble" refer to social rank?
Yes, "noble" can refer to someone of aristocratic rank.
Can "noble" describe a building?
Yes, a building can be described as noble if it is magnificent or stately.
Can a commoner be described as "noble"?
Yes, a commoner can be described as "noble" if they possess high moral qualities.
Is "noble" used only for people?
No, "noble" can also describe actions, objects, and qualities.
Is "nobley" the correct form for adverbial use?
"Nobley" is a rare form; "nobly" is preferred for adverbial use.
Is "nobley" found in modern English texts?
"Nobley" is rarely found in modern English; "nobly" is more common.
What qualities make someone "noble"?
High moral standards, dignity, and often aristocratic heritage.
What is an antonym for "noble"?
An antonym for "noble" is "ignoble" or "base."
How do "noble" and "nobley" differ in usage?
"Noble" describes inherent qualities or status, while "nobley" describes the manner of an action.
What does "noble" mean in the context of metals?
In the context of metals, "noble" means resistant to corrosion and valuable, like gold and silver.
How do you pronounce "nobley"?
"Nobley" is pronounced as "noh-blee."
What is a synonym for "noble" in terms of character?
A synonym for "noble" in terms of character is "honorable."
How does "noble" relate to literature?
In literature, "noble" often describes characters with admirable qualities or high social rank.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
