Meaning & use
nobly
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Meanings
adverbnot comparableformalapproving
In a brave, generous or unselfish way that shows fine character.
Grammar: Modifies a verb: she nobly gave up her seat.
Patterns
- nobly do something
He nobly gave up his seat to an elderly passenger.
The volunteers worked nobly through the night.
She nobly accepted the blame.
adverbnot comparableliterary
In a manner suited to high birth or rank, in a dignified manner.
Grammar: Describes bearing: he held himself nobly.
Patterns
- nobly born
The knight was nobly born and trained from childhood.
She carried herself nobly through the crowd.
The statue stands nobly on the hill.
Common combinations
- nobly born
- He was nobly born but lived humbly.
- nobly volunteer
- Many nobly volunteered after the flood.
- nobly bear
- She nobly bore her sadness.
- nobly refuse
- He nobly refused the reward.
- nobly endure
- They nobly endured the hardship.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bravely
- Bravely focuses on courage alone, while nobly adds generosity or honor.
- honorably
- Honorably stresses keeping to moral rules, whereas nobly adds a sense of selfless grandeur.
- gallantly
- Gallantly suggests dashing courage or courtesy, which is a bit more showy than nobly.
- selflessly
- Selflessly names the lack of self-interest, but does not carry the lofty tone of nobly.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: nobly or knobbly?
nobly vs knobbly
Knobbly means lumpy and rough, with no link to character, though it sounds a little like nobly.
Practice
Which sentence uses nobly correctly?
Choose one answer.
Nobly describes unselfish, honorable action, which fits only the donation. The others use it with no moral content.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nobly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.