ignoble
UK: ɪɡˈnəʊbəl | US: ɪɡˈnoʊbəl
adj. not honorable in character or purpose; dishonorable
adj. of low birth or common origin
ignoble = ig<not> + noble<honorable>
- ig<not>: A variant of the prefix "in-" (from Latin), meaning "not" or "opposite of." Here, it assimilates to "ig-" before "noble" for phonetic ease.
- noble<honorable>: From Latin nobilis (well-known, high-born), derived from noscere (to know). Originally denoted high social rank, later extended to moral excellence.
Etymology Origin:
"Ignoble" entered English in the late 15th century via Old French ignoble, from Latin ignobilis (unknown, obscure, or not noble). The prefix ig- (a form of in-) negates nobilis, flipping its meaning from "admirable" to "dishonorable" or "low-born." The word reflects societal values equating nobility with virtue and commonness with moral inferiority—a bias embedded in its linguistic history.
His ignoble actions tarnished the family’s reputation.
The dictator’s ignoble regime oppressed its citizens.
She refused to stoop to such ignoble tactics.
The knight was stripped of his title for ignoble conduct.
The play exposes the ignoble ambitions of the aristocracy.