好词典

nobility

UK /nəʊˈbɪləti/US /noʊˈbɪləti/

词源

源自拉丁语 nobilitas(卓越、高贵),通过古法语 nobilité 进入英语,与 noble(高贵的)同源。

noun

❶ 指贵族阶层或身份,特指拥有世袭头衔或特权的社会群体,常与王室关联。

“The nobility gathered at the royal palace for the coronation.”

(贵族们聚集在皇宫参加加冕典礼。)

“In medieval Europe, the nobility owned vast lands and had political power.”

(中世纪的欧洲贵族拥有广阔土地和政治权力。)

❶ 形容高尚的品质或崇高的精神,强调道德或行为上的卓越。

“Her nobility of character inspired everyone around her.”

(她品格的高尚激励了身边所有人。)

“The soldier showed true nobility by sacrificing himself to save others.”

(这名士兵为救他人而牺牲,展现了真正的高尚。)

同义词:aristocracy, gentry, elite

常见短语

the nobility — 特指某个国家或时期的贵族群体整体,常作为集体名词使用。

“The nobility opposed the new tax laws that affected their privileges.”

(贵族们反对影响其特权的新税法。)

nobility of spirit — 形容精神层面的高尚,指超越物质利益的道德高度。

“Even in poverty, she maintained a nobility of spirit that impressed everyone.”

(即便贫穷,她仍保持令人印象深刻的精神高尚。)