Noblesse Oblige (Noun)
Meaning
The obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically).
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- With their inherited wealth, it's only right that they contribute to charitable causes, a notion they ignore with blatant disregard for noblesse oblige.
- His promise to build affordable housing for low-income families seemed a heartwarming demonstration of noblesse oblige, until we learned of the accompanying massive tax breaks.
- Noblesse oblige or not, they refuse to put a cent back into the community from which their riches originate.
- Many considered his million-dollar donation to the hospital an impressive show of noblesse oblige, a stance less certain among the cynics who argued ulterior motives.
- Having studied her role model and rival throughout history, the 17th-century king finally practiced the age-old ideal of noblesse oblige.