honorable

Deserving respect because of good character or actions.

• She is an honorable person.
• He had honorable intentions, even though his plan failed.
• They remembered her long and honorable service.

Similar words: respectable, upright, decent

Opposites: dishonorable

Common phrases: honorable person, honorable intentions, honorable conduct

Used before certain officials' or high-ranking people's names as a respectful title.

• The Honorable Maria Ellis opened the meeting.
• Please welcome the Honorable Senator Lewis.
• The letter was addressed to the Honorable Judge Carter.

How to use it: the Honorable + name (The invitation was addressed to the Honorable Maria Ellis.)

Similar words: Hon'ble, Hon.

Common phrases: the honorable judge, the honorable senator, the honorable minister

Following accepted rules of right behavior, so that no shame is brought on anyone.

• They accepted an honorable defeat.
• The soldier received an honorable discharge.
• Both sides sought an honorable end to the conflict.

Similar words: fair, ethical

Opposites: dishonorable

Common phrases: honorable defeat, honorable discharge, honorable surrender

A person who has an official title showing respect or high social rank.

• An honorable arrived with two servants.
• The honorables took their seats near the stage.
• The old account lists several honorables among the guests.

Common phrases: an honorable, visiting honorables