Word
venerable
Phoneticsven·er·a·ble, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɛnɝəbəɫ/
UK/vˈɛnəɹəbəl/
Definition
adj. deserving a lot of respect because of age, wisdom, or character. You often use this to describe people, buildings, or traditions that have existed for a long time.
adj. deserving of great respect, especially by virtue of age, wisdom, or historical character. Often used to describe established institutions or elderly individuals of high standing.
Examples
“The venerable professor retired after fifty years of teaching.”
“The town's venerable library has served as a quiet sanctuary for local scholars for over a century.”
“The venerable institution maintained its strict traditions despite the rapid social changes occurring in the surrounding city, serving as a physical anchor to the community's shared past.”
Examples
simple
“The venerable professor retired after fifty years of teaching.”
contextual
“The town's venerable library has served as a quiet sanctuary for local scholars for over a century.”
complex
“The venerable institution maintained its strict traditions despite the rapid social changes occurring in the surrounding city, serving as a physical anchor to the community's shared past.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often carries a formal or literary tone.
Real-World Examples
“So it was a touch surprising this summer when developers CD Projekt Red announced a new expansion to the venerable adventure, titled Songs of the Past, for next year.” “Every year, hundreds of standups from across the world descend on the venerable festival.” Etymology
From Middle French vénérable, from Old French, from Latin venerabilis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/venerable