Worthy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👍

Add to dictionary

worthy

[ˈwərT͟Hē ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

of value

Having qualities or abilities that merit recognition and praise; deserving respect or admiration.

Synonyms

commendable, deserving, estimable, meritorious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worthy	Use when expressing that someone or something merits respect or attention. It’s particularly versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
deserving	Appropriate when suggesting someone or something should receive a reward or recognition. It’s often used to underline fairness or justice.
meritorious	Used in formal writing and speech to highlight actions or qualities that are exceptionally good and deserving of accolades.
commendable	Applied when emphasizing that an action, effort, or quality is praiseworthy. Often used in formal contexts or evaluations to highlight positive attributes.
estimable	Best employed in formal contexts when you want to convey a high level of respect or admiration towards someone or something.

Examples of usage

His hard work and dedication made him a worthy candidate for the promotion.
She proved herself to be a worthy leader during the crisis.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

good enough

Sufficiently good, suitable, or adequate for a particular purpose or situation.

Synonyms

acceptable, adequate, appropriate, suitable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worthy	Used to describe someone or something that deserves respect, praise, or attention. Often used in contexts involving moral or ethical judgment. Her efforts in the community are truly worthy of recognition. That book is worthy of being included in any literary collection.
acceptable	Used to describe something that meets a minimum standard or is satisfactory in a given situation. It doesn't imply excellence, just that the minimum criteria are met. The project proposal was acceptable, but it lacks creativity. Her performance in the exam was acceptable but not outstanding.
appropriate	Used to describe something that is suitable or proper in a specific situation or context, often with a sense of being fitting or correct. It is important to wear appropriate attire to the interview. Her response to the situation was calm and appropriate.
adequate	Used to describe something that is sufficient for a specific need or purpose, often implying just enough but not more than what is necessary. The food supplies were adequate for the short trip. His explanation was adequate for the purposes of the meeting.
suitable	Used to describe something that is right or well-matched for a particular person, purpose, or situation. Often used when finding a match or making a selection. That job would be suitable for someone with her skills. They are looking for a suitable replacement for the position.

Examples of usage

The old car was not worthy of a long road trip.
Her actions were not worthy of forgiveness.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

deserving person

A person who is deserving of a particular status, reward, or recognition.

Synonyms

commendable, deserving, estimable, meritorious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worthy	Use 'worthy' for general praise and when expressing that someone or something meets a high standard. She is a worthy candidate for the award. His efforts were worthy of recognition.
deserving	Use 'deserving' to indicate that someone merits something, often in terms of rewards or recognition. She is deserving of the scholarship for her hard work. The project is deserving of further investment.
meritorious	Use 'meritorious' when describing an action or achievement as highly deserving of praise or reward, often in formal contexts. Her meritorious service in the army was recognized with a medal. The meritorious achievements of the students were celebrated at the ceremony.
commendable	Use 'commendable' when emphasizing that an action or behavior is praiseworthy and deserves approval. His commitment to volunteer work is commendable. The team's performance was commendable despite the challenges.
estimable	Use 'estimable' in more formal or literary contexts, referring to someone or something worthy of great respect and admiration. The professor's contributions to science are truly estimable. He holds an estimable position in the community.

Examples of usage

She was considered a worthy of the title of champion.
The scholarship was awarded to the most worthy student.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, characters often debate what makes someone worthy of love or honor, exploring deep human emotions.
The concept of worthiness is a central theme in many hero's journey stories, where characters prove their worth through tests.
Classic literature frequently contrasts the worthy and unworthy to critique societal values and personal integrity.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Aristotle discussed virtue ethics, suggesting that being worthy is tied to living a good life and fulfilling one's purpose.
Contemporary discussions on self-worth emphasize the idea that everyone is inherently worthy, regardless of their actions or circumstances.
Existentialist thought suggests that individuals must create their own worth through choices and actions in life.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict characters who initially seem unworthy but grow through experiences, embodying the idea that anyone can prove themselves.
In the Marvel Universe, the phrase 'worthy' is a key theme, particularly in relation to Thor and his hammer, which can only be lifted by those deemed worthy.
Songs, like 'Unworthy' by Hozier, explore themes of self-doubt and self-acceptance, questioning what it means to feel worthy.

Psychology

Research shows that a sense of self-worth is crucial for mental health and can impact how individuals engage with the world.
Feeling worthy can be linked to positive life outcomes, including better relationships and greater success in pursuing personal goals.
Therapeutic practices often focus on helping individuals recognize their inherent worth, fostering confidence and resilience.

Origin of 'worthy'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'weorðe,' which meant 'to be made firm or strong.'
Originally, it referred to people who had a good reputation or were worth something to society.
Over time, its meaning expanded to include moral or personal value beyond just financial worth.

The word 'worthy' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'weorðig', meaning valuable or honorable. Over time, the meaning of 'worthy' has evolved to encompass qualities of deserving respect, admiration, or recognition. The concept of worthiness has been a prominent theme in literature, philosophy, and ethics, reflecting the intrinsic human desire for validation and acknowledgment of one's qualities and accomplishments.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,719, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2716 transactions
2717 admission
2718 surplus
2719 worthy
2720 pension
2721 trend
2722 commitment
...