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honorable

B2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈɒnərəbəl/

US

  • /ˈɑnərəbəl/

Description

To be honorable means to have strong moral principles and to be known for honesty and fairness. Think of knights in shining armor—they were not just brave warriors, but people who followed a clear code of conduct.

You might describe a judge, soldier, or leader as honorable if they keep their values even when it is hard. You could also say someone had "honorable intentions," meaning they meant to do the right thing, even if things did not turn out well. The word is also common in formal settings, such as "honorable discharge" in the military. In general, it suggests a person, action, or purpose that deserves respect because it is guided by what is right.

Examples

  1. 1

    Personal character

    Even his opponents described him as an honorable man.

  2. 2

    Doing right

    When no one was watching, she still did the honorable thing and told the truth.

  3. 3

    Blame

    There was nothing honorable about blaming your assistant for your own mistake.

    • Pattern

      nothing honorable about + action

      the action does not deserve respect

  4. 4

    Awards

    Our film did not win the festival, but it received an honorable mention.

    • Phrase

      honorable mention

      special praise without winning the main prize

  5. 5

    Formal title

    The Honorable Judge Alvarez will open the conference.

    • Usage

      The Honorable

      a formal title for some judges and public officials

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • honorableadjective