honorable
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.honest and fair; having high moral standards that make people respect you.
adj.possessing or characterized by high moral standards and integrity. Often used to describe conduct that adheres to a strict ethical code.
Simple“The judge was known for being an honorable man who always followed the law.”
In context“Choosing to admit his mistake was the only honorable course of action, even though it meant he would lose the contract.”
PitfallHe is an honourable man. He is an honorable man.In American English, the word is spelled 'honorable'. The spelling 'honourable' is used in British English.
SynonymsAntonymsdishonorablecorrupt - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.deserving respect or praise because of good qualities or achievements.
adj.worthy of being honored or respected; respectable in character or standing.
Simple“Teaching is an honorable profession that helps the whole community.”
In context“After decades of service, he retired with an honorable record that served as an inspiration to the younger officers.”
SynonymsAntonymsshamefuldisreputable - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.a title used before the names of certain government officials, like judges or mayors.
adj.an honorific title used for high-ranking officials, including judges, members of Congress, and mayors. Usually capitalized when used as a title.
Simple“The letter was addressed to the Honorable Sarah Jenkins.”
In context“The Honorable Justice Miller presided over the hearing, ensuring that all procedural requirements were strictly met.”
UsageIn written addresses, it is typically abbreviated as 'Hon.' followed by the full name.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who has the official title of 'Honorable'.
n.a person, typically a politician or judge, who is entitled to the honorific 'Honorable'.
Simple“Several honorables from the state senate attended the opening ceremony.”
In context“The gathering of honorables at the summit highlighted the diplomatic importance of the new trade agreement.”
Synonymsofficialdignitary
From Middle English honourable, from Old French honorable, honurable, from Latin honōrābilis, from honōrō (“I honour”); cognate with Italian onorabile, Spanish honorable. By surface analysis, honor + -able. In this sense, largely displaced Old English ārfæst.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.