Noble vs. Ignoble — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Noble refers to qualities of high moral character, such as honor and virtue, while ignoble suggests characteristics that are dishonorable, base, or of low quality.
Difference Between Noble and Ignoble
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noble characteristics are associated with high moral standards and virtues, such as integrity and courage, whereas ignoble traits are linked to a lack of honor, often displaying selfishness or deceit.
Actions considered noble are typically admired and respected in society, contributing positively to the community, while ignoble actions are often condemned and viewed negatively.
Noble can also describe high social status, particularly in historical contexts of aristocracy, whereas ignoble implies a low or common status, often without privileges or honor.
The term noble is used in various contexts to express elevation and dignity, such as "noble gases" in chemistry which are stable and unreactive, whereas ignoble does not commonly appear in scientific contexts and maintains a more figurative use.
In literature, noble characters are often portrayed as heroes with commendable traits, while ignoble characters are typically the villains or flawed individuals causing conflict.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Possessing high moral qualities
Lacking honor, not noble
Social Connotation
Positive, respected
Negative, looked down upon
Usage in Status
Often linked to aristocracy and dignity
Associated with commonness or baseness
Common Contexts
Moral discussions, historical aristocracy
Moral judgments, character assessments
Examples in Science
"Noble gases" are inert and nonreactive
Rarely used in a scientific context
Compare with Definitions
Noble
Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles.
He made a noble sacrifice to save his friend.
Ignoble
Inferior or not noble.
The material used in the product was considered ignoble compared to its luxurious alternatives.
Noble
Grand or impressive in appearance.
The noble architecture of the building stood out.
Ignoble
Dishonorable or shameful.
He felt ignoble after breaking his promise.
Noble
Possessing outstanding qualities or virtues.
His noble deed earned him the community’s respect.
Ignoble
Suggesting petty motivations.
His ignoble reasons for participating were purely for personal gain.
Noble
Belonging by rank, title, or birth to the aristocracy
The Duchess of Kent and several other noble ladies
The medieval palace was once owned by a noble Florentine family
Ignoble
Not honorable in character or purpose.
His ignoble intentions were eventually revealed.
Noble
Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles
The promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration
Ignoble
Not honourable in character or purpose
Ignoble feelings of intense jealousy
Noble
(especially in former times) a person of noble rank or birth
The greater a noble's military power, the more land he could control
The king imposed a tax on both nobles and peasants
Ignoble
Of humble origin or social status.
Noble
A former English gold coin first issued in 1351.
Ignoble
Not noble in quality, character, or purpose; base or dishonorable. ]
Noble
Possessing hereditary rank in a political system or social class derived from a feudalistic stage of a country's development.
Ignoble
Not noble; plebeian; common.
Noble
Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor
A noble spirit.
Ignoble
Not honorable; base.
Noble
Proceeding from or indicative of such a character; showing magnanimity
"What poor an instrument / May do a noble deed!" (Shakespeare).
Ignoble
Not a true or "noble" falcon; said of certain hawks, such as the goshawk.
Noble
Grand and stately in appearance; majestic
"a mighty Spanish chestnut, bare now of leaves, but in summer a noble tree" (Richard Jeffries).
Ignoble
To make ignoble; to bring low.
Noble
(Chemistry) Inactive or inert.
Ignoble
Of low birth or family; not noble; not illustrious; plebeian; common; humble.
I was not ignoble of descent.
Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants.
Noble
A member of the nobility.
Ignoble
Not honorable, elevated, or generous; base.
'T is but a base, ignoble mind,That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife.
Noble
A gold coin formerly used in England, worth half of a mark.
Ignoble
Not a true or noble falcon; - said of certain hawks, as the goshawk.
Noble
An aristocrat; one of aristocratic blood.
This country house was occupied by nobles in the 16th century.
Ignoble
To make ignoble.
Noble
(historical) A medieval gold coin of England in the 14th and 15th centuries, usually valued at 6s 8d.
Ignoble
Completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose;
Something cowardly and ignoble in his attitude
I think it a less evil that some criminals should escape than that the government should play an ignoble part
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.
Ignoble
Not of the nobility;
Of ignoble (or ungentle) birth
Untitled civilians
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
Belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status.
She was born into a noble family with a long lineage.
Noble
(Chemistry) Not reacting chemically.
Helium is a noble gas used in balloons.
Common Curiosities
Can societal status influence whether someone is considered noble or ignoble?
Historically, yes, as noble often referred to aristocratic status, but today it more commonly relates to one's character.
Can actions change a person's perception from ignoble to noble?
Yes, through significant and genuine acts of kindness, integrity, or bravery, a person's perception can shift positively.
What does it mean for a person to be described as noble?
It means the person exhibits high moral qualities and virtues, often associated with honor and dignity.
How are noble gases related to the concept of nobility?
The term "noble" in noble gases refers to their lack of reactivity, suggesting stability and inertness, metaphorically linking to the steadfastness of noble character.
Can someone born ignoble achieve nobility?
Yes, through virtuous actions and moral living, anyone can be considered noble regardless of their origin.
Is ignobility always related to poor moral conduct?
Typically, yes, as ignoble suggests behaviors or characteristics that lack honor or integrity.
What are the impacts of noble actions on society?
Noble actions can inspire others, foster a sense of community and trust, and contribute to social cohesion.
Can ignoble individuals become noble over time?
With introspection and growth, individuals can transcend ignoble tendencies and cultivate nobility.
What are examples of noble professions?
Professions like medicine, firefighting, and teaching are often considered noble due to their service and dedication to society.
Why is ignobility viewed negatively in literature?
Ignoble characters often embody traits that contrast with the heroic or virtuous qualities of noble characters, serving as antagonists or obstacles.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
