ευγενής
evgenís/ev.ʝeˈnis/
The Greek word for noble is ευγενής (evgenís).
ευγενής is used to describe someone having honorable qualities. Beyond character, the word also carries the specific connotation of being of high social birth or being well-born.
Meaning: having honorable qualities (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ευ- (eu-) meaning 'well' and γενής (genís) meaning 'born'.
Which one should you use?
While ευγενής can mean 'noble' in terms of character, it also specifically carries the connotation of being of high social birth or 'well-born'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ευγενής is used for both masculine and feminine singular adjectives. The plural form for both masculine and feminine is ευγενείς.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The prefix ευ- in ευγενής is the same root found in the English word 'eulogy', which literally means 'well-speaking'.
- The term ευγενής is used in biological Greek to describe 'eugenics', a field of study based on the idea of 'well-born' offspring.
- In Ancient Greece, being ευγενής was not just a trait but a legal or social category that determined one's rights in certain city-states.
Examples in context
- Ο Γεώργιος φέρει πάντα τον εαυτό του με αριστοκρατικό τρόπο.George always carries himself in a noble manner.
- Η Μαρία διατηρεί μια ευγενή και διακεκριμένη στάση σε όλες τις καταστάσεις.Maria maintains a noble and distinguished attitude in all situations.
- Ο Δημήτρης είναι πάντα ευγενικός με όλους γύρω του.Dimitris is always noble/polite to everyone around him.
- Είναι ένας πολύ ευγενής άνθρωπος.Eínai énas polý evgenís ánthropos.He is a very noble man.
- Αυτή η κίνηση ήταν ευγενής.Autí i kínisi ítan evgenís.That move was noble.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are talking about a local hero.
- Κώστας KostasΔες τι έκανε αυτός ο άνθρωπος.Des ti ekane aftos o anthropos.Look at what this man did.
- Ελένη EleniΠραγματικά, είναι πολύς ευγενής.Pragmatika, einai poly evgenis.Truly, he is very noble.
- Κώστας KostasΒοήθησε όλους χωρίς αντάλreward.Voithise olous choris antalama.He helped everyone without reward.
- Ελένη EleniΑυτός είναι ο ορισμός του ευγενή.Aftos einai o orismos tou evgeni.This is the definition of noble.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ευγενής, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
