# honorable

/ˈɑnɝəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˈɒnəɹəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/honorable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. having integrity

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

honest and fair; having high moral standards that make people respect you.

For teachers: possessing or characterized by high moral standards and integrity. Often used to describe conduct that adheres to a strict ethical code.

- The judge was known for being an honorable man who always followed the law.
- Choosing to admit his mistake was the only honorable course of action, even though it meant he would lose the contract.

### 2. worthy of respect

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

deserving respect or praise because of good qualities or achievements.

For teachers: worthy of being honored or respected; respectable in character or standing.

- Teaching is an honorable profession that helps the whole community.
- After decades of service, he retired with an honorable record that served as an inspiration to the younger officers.

### 3. formal title

adjective · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

a title used before the names of certain government officials, like judges or mayors.

For teachers: an honorific title used for high-ranking officials, including judges, members of Congress, and mayors. Usually capitalized when used as a title.

- The letter was addressed to the Honorable Sarah Jenkins.
- The Honorable Justice Miller presided over the hearing, ensuring that all procedural requirements were strictly met.

Usage: In written addresses, it is typically abbreviated as 'Hon.' followed by the full name.

### 4. a titled person

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Formal

a person who has the official title of 'Honorable'.

For teachers: a person, typically a politician or judge, who is entitled to the honorific 'Honorable'.

- Several honorables from the state senate attended the opening ceremony.
- The gathering of honorables at the summit highlighted the diplomatic importance of the new trade agreement.

## Examples

- He made the honorable choice to tell the truth.
- The politician decided that the only honorable course of action was to resign after the scandal became public.
- While the strategy was legally permissible, the board members debated whether it was truly honorable to exploit a loophole that would harm their long-term partners.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.