noblesse oblige
English edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from French noblesse oblige (literally “nobility obliges”), primarily used as a phrase. See noblesse and obliger.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
noblesse oblige (uncountable)
- The honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank; in American English this often includes the expectation of benevolent actions such as helping those less fortunate.
Usage notes edit
- The Oxford English Dictionary says that the term “suggests noble ancestry constrains to honourable behaviour; privilege entails responsibility”. Being a noble meant that you had responsibilities to lead, manage, etc. You were not to simply spend your time in idle pursuits.
Translations edit
the honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank
|
French edit
Etymology edit
Literally, “nobility obliges”. See noblesse and obliger.
Pronunciation edit
Phrase edit
Italian edit
Etymology edit
Unadapted borrowing from French noblesse oblige (literally “nobility obliges”), primarily used as a phrase.
Pronunciation edit
Phrase edit
noblesse oblige
- noble or more generally high-ranked people have honourable/honorable obligations towards lower-ranked or less fortunate ones, and should behave nobly towards them
- Synonym: la nobiltà fa obbligo
Noun edit
noblesse oblige m (uncountable)
- noblesse oblige (the honourable/honorable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank)
Portuguese edit
Etymology edit
Unadapted borrowing from French noblesse oblige (literally “nobility obliges”), primarily used as a phrase.
Noun edit
noblesse oblige m or f (uncountable)
- noblesse oblige (the honourable obligation that is the responsibility of those of high rank)