ignoble
adjective
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The word noble, in addition to referring to someone born to aristocratic ranks, can also be used to describe someone of outstanding character. That word first appeared in English in the 13th century, and its antonym, ignoble, came about two centuries later. Ignoble derives via Middle English and Middle French from the Latin prefix in- ("not") and the Old Latin gnobilis ("noble"). Originally, ignoble described someone born to common or plebeian origins, but by the late 16th century it had come to describe people of dishonorable character, or the actions performed by such people.
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Examples of ignoble in a Sentence
Christopher R. Hill, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2020
In fact, the abrupt and ignoble death of his fan-favorite character, the hunky werewolf Alcide Herveaux, early in the final season of the HBO show left him eager to make up for it.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2024
Australia’s laissez-faire automobile attitude puts it in ignoble company.
—Michael E. Miller, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024
Yet the upsides certainly outweigh the risk of an ignoble exit.
—Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Ignoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignoble. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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ignoble
adjective
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