noble
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “noble” mean in English?
noble — having high moral qualities; admirable and honourable
noble — having high moral qualities; admirable and honourable (causa noble, gesto noble)
Example sentences
Defender los derechos de los más vulnerables es una causa noble que merece el apoyo activo de toda la ciudadanía.
Defending the rights of the most vulnerable is a noble cause that deserves the active support of all citizens.
Su noble intención de facilitar el acceso a la educación en zonas rurales fue reconocida con un premio nacional.
His noble intention to facilitate access to education in rural areas was recognised with a national award.
How to use it
Noble means 'noble' — having admirable moral qualities; also: of aristocratic rank. In modern formal Spanish the dominant sense is moral (noble gesto, noble causa). Ser: always ser. Collocations: gesto noble, causa noble, intención noble, sentimiento noble. Can also be used as noun (un noble = a nobleman).
Common mistake
Noble ≠ virtuoso: virtuoso implies practice of virtue (specific moral excellence); noble implies a broader elevated moral quality or admirable character. Noble is also slightly more emotionally charged than virtuoso.