honorable

hon-or-a-ble · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Bringing or worthy of honor; possessing high moral standards.

  2. 2.

    (As a title) Used as a courtesy title for certain officials, especially judges, members of Congress, and government ministers.

  3. 3.

    Guided by or adhering to principles of honor.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Honorable mention — recognition given to someone who did not win but deserves acknowledgment
  • •
    the Honorable — formal title used before the names of certain officials

Related words

Antonyms: disgraceful, dishonorable, shameful
See also: honor, honourable, noble, respectable
Synonyms: ethical, noble, principled, respectable, upright

Etymology

From Old French honorable, from Latin honorabilis ("worthy of honor"), from honor ("honor, esteem"). The American spelling without the 'u' follows Noah Webster's spelling reforms of the 19th century.