ennoble

/ɪˈnəʊbl/ (bre, ipa) · [ɪnˈobəl] /ɪˈnəʊbl/ (ame, ipa) · [ɪnˈobəl] /i-ˈnō-bəl How to pronounce ennoble (audio) e-ˈnō-/ (ame, mw)

ennoble — verb

  • ennoblepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • ennobleshe / she / it
  • ennobledpast simple
  • ennobling-ing form

1. to raise someone into the noble class by officially giving that person a title o

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to raise someone into the noble class by officially giving that person a title or rank.

例句

The king ennobled Christopher after the young lawyer ended a costly land dispute.

ennoble + person after public service

Queen Amihan ennobled the ship captain for saving forty villagers during the storm.

ennoble + person for + -ing

同義詞
  • elevate

    broader and more abstract; not limited to noble rank

  • title

    can mean give a title, but less literary and less tied to nobility

  • knight

    narrower; gives a specific honour rather than noble status generally

反義詞
  • disgrace

    remove honour or public respect

  • demote

    move someone to a lower rank, though not specifically about nobility

文法句型

ennoble + person

be ennobled for + noun / -ing

用法筆記

Used mainly in historical or ceremonial settings. The object is a person, and the sentence often names the ruler, the honour, or the service that led to it. Distinguish from sense 2, which is metaphorical and gives dignity without any official rank.

常見錯誤

❌The company ennobled Aya to manager last spring.
✅The company promoted Aya to manager last spring.
💡'ennoble' is for noble rank, not an ordinary job promotion.

2. to give a person, action, or place a more honourable quality, so that others see

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to give a person, action, or place a more honourable quality, so that others see it with greater respect.

例句

Caring for his disabled brother ennobled Marco's everyday routines and gave them deeper purpose.

ennoble + activity by adding dignity

The memorial garden ennobled the small square and gave the noisy corner quiet dignity.

同義詞
  • dignify

    closest synonym; focuses on adding dignity or seriousness

  • elevate

    broader; can raise tone, status, or quality

  • uplift

    often emotional; less formal and more positive in tone

反義詞
  • debase

    make something seem lower or less worthy

  • demean

    reduce dignity or self-respect

文法句型

ennoble + noun phrase

ennoble + person / action / place

用法筆記

Usually metaphorical. Common objects are work, sacrifice, memory, public service, or a place touched by solemn feeling. Distinguish from sense 1, where someone is formally admitted to the nobility.

常見錯誤

❌New paint ennobled the kitchen before the party.
✅New paint improved the kitchen before the party.
💡'ennoble' suggests added dignity or moral weight, not just a nicer appearance.