Ignoble

Adjective

Definition: Not noble; lacking qualities of high moral character, dignity, or honor.

Definition: Of low character or quality; base; mean.

Synonyms: Base, Dishonorable, Ignominious, Low, Vulgar

Antonyms: Noble, Honorable, Dignified

Examples:
  • The ignoble politician only cared about his own personal gain.
  • It is an ignoble act to betray someone's trust.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "ignoble" as the opposite of "noble," describing someone or something that lacks noble qualities.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle French 'ignoble', from Latin 'ignobilis' (in- "not" + gnobilis "noble")

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe actions or individuals of low moral character.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Sink to an ignoble level"

Explanation:

Refers to someone behaving or lowering themselves to a base or dishonorable level.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "ignoble" with "ignorable" or "ignoble" with "noble."

Explanation:

"Ignoble" refers to low moral character, while "ignorable" means able to be ignored, and "noble" refers to someone with high moral character.

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