ennoble

[en-noh-buhl]

verb (used with object)

ennobled, ennobling 

1. to elevate in degree, excellence, or respect; dignify; exalt.

   a personality ennobled by true generosity.

2. to confer a title of nobility on.

ennoble

/ ɪˈnəʊbəl /

verb

1. to make noble, honourable, or excellent; dignify; exalt

2. to raise to a noble rank; confer a title of nobility upon

Other Word Forms

• ennoblement noun
• ennobler noun
• ennoblingly adverb
• unennobled adjective
• unennobling adjective
• ennobling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ennoble¹

1425–75; late Middle English ennobelen < Middle French, Old French ennoblir. See en- ¹, noble

Example Sentences

Using religion as a cover for racism has long held this appeal for a simple reason: It puts an ennobling gloss on ugly feelings.

From Salon

Her stoicism is all the more ennobling, given how much it costs her.

From Los Angeles Times

He stood down as an MP in 1992 and was ennobled as a cross-bench peer in the same year, despite his party's opposition to the Lords at the time.

From BBC

Shostakovich’s detractors have accused him of ennobling Stalin while defenders have sought out subtle musical cues of dissent.

From Los Angeles Times

When her husband was ennobled some years earlier, she was entitled to be called Lady Kinnock - but it was a title she never used.

From BBC