German word

nobel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnoːbl̩/

Meaning

  • adjectiveelegant

Example

Sie ist eine noble Frau.

She is an elegant woman.

Illustration for nobel (elegant)

More examples

Sein nobles Auftreten beeindruckte alle.

His refined bearing impressed everyone.

Core concept

A refined surface and composed manner suggest quality and distinction without seeming showy.

Common phrases

  • eine noble Geste

    dignified gesture

  • ein nobles Auftreten

    refined bearing

  • ein nobles Ambiente

    elegant atmosphere

Similar words

edel: Showing high-quality materials, fine workmanship, and a luxurious character.
elegant: Polished in form or movement, with a harmonious and sophisticated appearance.
vornehm: Dignified and courteous, with calm manners and restrained behavior.

Definition in German

edel, von gediegenem Stil und kultivierter Erscheinung

Word origin

The adjective entered German from the French descendant noble of Latin nobilis and developed its modern sense of refined or distinguished.

Usage tips

  • German nobel can describe expensive or upscale things as well as people, so it is not limited to personal appearance or behavior.

Other meanings

  • nobleadjective
  • refinedadjective
  • luxuriousadjective

Opposites

  • vulgärvulgaradjective
  • grobcrudeadjective

Related words

  • Noblessenobilitynoun
  • nobilitierenennobleverb

Word lists with this word