Honorable: meaning, definitions and examples

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honorable

[ˈɒnərəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a respectful manner

worthy of honor or respect; deserving recognition or esteem

Synonyms

admirable, dignified, esteemed, respectable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
honorable	Used to describe someone or something that deserves respect and admiration due to integrity, fairness, or moral uprightness. Often used in formal contexts. He was recognized as an honorable judge for his unbiased decisions. It was an honorable act to return the lost money.
respectable	Used to describe someone or something that is considered socially acceptable, decent, and worthy of respect. It is often used in a broader sense, including morality and behavior. She comes from a respectable family. He is known in the community as a respectable businessman.
dignified	Used to describe someone or something that has a calm, serious, and controlled manner that deserves respect. It is often used to talk about someone's deportment or bearing. Despite the challenges, she maintained a dignified silence. He looked dignified in his formal attire.
admirable	Used to describe someone or something that is worthy of admiration because of their qualities, achievements, or actions. It often has a general positive connotation. Her dedication to helping others is truly admirable. He showed admirable courage in the face of danger.
esteemed	Used to indicate that someone or something is highly respected and admired, often because of their accomplishments or status. Commonly used in professional or formal contexts. The esteemed professor gave a fascinating lecture on quantum physics. It was a pleasure to meet such an esteemed author.

Examples of usage

He was seen as an honorable man in the community.
She received an honorable award for her charity work.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a moral sense

having high moral principles; upright

Synonyms

ethical, righteous, upright, virtuous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
honorable	Used to describe someone or something that deserves respect and admiration for displaying integrity and moral principles. He received an honorable discharge from the military. The judge was known for her honorable decisions.
upright	Typically used to describe a person with a firm adherence to moral principles; often implies a straightforward and honest character. He was an upright citizen who never broke the law. She was praised for her upright stance on the issue.
ethical	Often used in professional settings to indicate adherence to a specific code of conduct or moral principles. The company prides itself on its ethical standards. Doctors are expected to act in an ethical manner.
virtuous	Describes someone with high moral standards, often used to praise purity and moral excellence. She was admired for her virtuous nature. His actions were seen as highly virtuous.
righteous	Used to describe someone who is morally right or justifiable, often with a sense of strong moral conviction. She felt a righteous anger at the injustice. He was known for his righteous behavior.

Examples of usage

He made the honorable decision to tell the truth.
It is important to act in an honorable way in all situations.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

in reference to a title or position

holding a position of honor or high rank

Synonyms

distinguished, esteemed, noble, respected.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
honorable	This word is often used to describe someone who is ethical and has a strong sense of duty and morality. It's commonly used in formal settings or to refer to judges or high-ranking officials. He was an honorable man who always did the right thing The honorable judge presided over the case
respected	This word indicates admiration due to someone's qualities, abilities, or achievements. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. He was a respected leader in the community Her opinions are highly respected by her peers
distinguished	Used to describe someone who stands out due to their achievements, skills, or status. It's often used in academic, professional, or high-society settings. She is a distinguished professor of history The event was attended by many distinguished guests
esteemed	This word is used to show high regard or admiration for someone. It's usually used in formal or written communication. Our esteemed colleague will be retiring next year We gathered to celebrate the life of our esteemed mentor
noble	Refers to someone who has high moral principles or is of high social rank. It can also be used to describe actions that are very moral or generous. Her noble efforts to help the poor were widely recognized He belonged to a noble family with a long history of service

Examples of usage

The honorable judge presided over the court case.
She was addressed as the honorable mayor of the town.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'honorabilis', which means worthy of honor.
Has roots in the Old French term 'honorable', used to describe those deserving of respect.
First recorded usage in the English language dates back to the 14th century.

History

Knighthood in medieval times had an 'honor code' that dictated the behavior of knights and nobles, emphasizing bravery and respect.
In many ancient societies, including Rome, honor was linked to one's family and social standing, influencing political and military actions.
The concept of dying with honor often governed the conduct of samurai in Japan, leading to the practice of seppuku.

Literature

Many classic literature characters, like Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', exemplify the traits of honor and respect.
Shakespeare often explored themes of honor in plays like 'Henry IV', where honor dictated the actions and fates of characters.
Honor is a recurring theme in the works of authors like Homer, where it shapes the destinies of heroes and warriors.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, honor is tied to family reputation, where individuals are expected to uphold their family’s good name.
Various cultures have unique honor codes; for example, in some Middle Eastern cultures, honor killings occur to restore family honor after perceived disgrace.
The concept of honor is celebrated in many traditions, such as the Japanese 'Bushido' code, highlighting loyalty and moral integrity.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals with a sense of honor often have a stronger commitment to their community and social obligations.
Research indicates that an individual's perception of their own honor can significantly impact their mental health and decision-making.
Feeling honorable can lead to improved self-esteem and social relationships, as people generally admire those who act in honorable ways.

Translations

Translations of the word "honorable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 honrado

🇮🇳 सम्माननीय

🇩🇪 ehrenwert

🇮🇩 terhormat

🇺🇦 шановний

🇵🇱 honorowy

🇯🇵 名誉ある (meiyo aru)

🇫🇷 honorable

🇪🇸 honorable

🇹🇷 saygıdeğer

🇰🇷 존경할 만한 (jon-gyeonghal manhan)

🇸🇦 مشرف (musharraf)

🇨🇿 ctihodný

🇸🇰 ctihodný

🇨🇳 可尊敬的 (kě zūn jìng de)

🇸🇮 časten

🇮🇸 virðulegur

🇰🇿 құрметті

🇬🇪 საპატიო (sap'atio)

🇦🇿 hörmətli

🇲🇽 honorable

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,758 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5755 dish
5756 repetition
5757 slightest
5758 honorable
5759 loyal
5760 partition
5761 bladder
...