WordGarden.ioworthy
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɜːði/
US
- /ˈwɜrði/
Meanings
Adjective
deserving respect, admiration, or support
important or good enough to justify attention, mention, or effort
Beyond the definition
To be worthy means to deserve something good, important, or respectful, such as praise, trust, support, or attention. A brave person may be worthy of honor, and a careful worker may be worthy of responsibility. The idea is that someone or something has the right qualities to earn a positive response.
Think of it like this: if something has real value, character, or importance, it can be called worthy. A cause may be worthy of support, a book may be worthy of your time, and a friend may be worthy of trust. Sometimes the word also suggests meeting a standard or showing that you deserve a certain place, role, or reward.
The word "worthy" describes someone or something that possesses qualities deserving of respect, admiration, or reward. It's more than just "good" – it implies a level of merit that justifies positive recognition. For example, you might say a charitable act is worthy of praise, meaning it's genuinely commendable and deserves to be acknowledged.
"Worthy" isn't always about grand gestures. It can also apply to everyday qualities. A reliable friend is worthy of trust, and an honest person is worthy of respect. The concept often ties into a sense of justice or fairness – something that feels right because it aligns with what someone has earned or deserves.
Historically, "worthy" often carried strong connotations of nobility and honor. In older stories, knights had to prove themselves worthy through courage and loyal service before receiving titles or honors. While the context has broadened over time, the core idea remains the same: having qualities that raise someone or something above the ordinary.
You might also encounter "worthiness," which refers to the quality or state of deserving respect, approval, or attention. In modern use, people sometimes talk about a sense of worthiness in a personal way, but the word itself is broader than self-esteem.
So whether describing someone's character, an act of kindness, or simply something deserving of attention, "worthy" signifies merit, value, and a sense of deservedness. It speaks to the qualities that make something truly special and commendable.
Examples
- 1
Community service
She has worked hard for the community and is worthy of respect.
- 2
Charity
The charity is worthy of support.
- 3
Art criticism
The museum is small, but it has several paintings worthy of attention.
- Phraseworthy of attention
important enough to notice carefully
- 4
Praise
His apology was simple, but it was worthy of praise.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Respectful rival
Even in defeat, she proved herself a worthy opponent.
- Phrasea worthy opponent
someone strong and deserving of respect
- 6
Importance
Most of the mistakes were minor and hardly worthy of mention.
- Phraseworthy of mention
important enough to talk about
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- worth it
Used with (collocations)
- worthy of respect
- worthy cause
- worthy opponent
- worthy of consideration
Word family
- worthily
- worthiness
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- worthynounadjective
Forms
- worthiespluralnounadjective
- worthiercomparativeadjectivenoun
- worthiestsuperlativeadjectivenoun