noblesse oblige

English - English

Definition of noblesse oblige in English English dictionary

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

Noblesse oblige is the idea that people with advantages, for example those of a high social class, should help and do things for other people. They did so without hope of further profit and out of a sense of noblesse oblige. the idea that people who belong to a high social class should behave in a kind and generous way towards people of a lower social class

obligation for member of the upper class to act in a certain way

the obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically)

Hyphenation

no·blesse o·blige

Turkish pronunciation

nōbles ıblayc

Pronunciation

/nōˈbles əˈblīʤ/ /noʊˈblɛs əˈblaɪʤ/

Etymology

() French, literally nobility obliges According to the , the Dictionnaire de l’Académie française defines it thusly: 1. Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly. 2. (Figuratively) One must act in a fashion that conformes with one's position, and with the reputation that one has earned.