honourable
gb/ˈɑnɚəbəl/ us/ˈɑnɚəbəl/
B2
English
~ 4100
tisztességes, becsületes, tiszteletre méltó, tisztelt, méltóságos
B2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
an honourable [person/action/decision]
She is known as an honourable judge who always acts fairly.
Tisztességes bíróként ismerik, aki mindig igazságosan jár el.
It was an honourable decision to admit the mistake.
Tisztességes döntés volt beismerni a hibát.
He lived an honourable life dedicated to helping others.
Her honourable conduct earned her the community's trust.
Learner examples
He is an honourable man.
Becsületes ember.
That was an honourable choice.
Ez tisztességes választás volt.
She made an honourable promise.
It is good to be honourable.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'honourable' with 'honored'. 'Honourable' describes a person or action with good morals; 'honored' means feeling proud or privileged.
Meaning
Having high moral standards
Collocations
honourable man
|honourable conduct
|honourable intentions
|honourable position
Synonyms
respectable (Emphasizes being worthy of respect but may focus more on social reputation than deep moral integrity.)
|
upright (Highlights honesty and moral correctness, often with a slightly old-fashioned tone.)
Antonyms
dishonourable (Direct opposite, meaning lacking moral integrity or acting in a shameful way.)
|
corrupt (Implies moral failure through dishonesty, especially for personal gain.)
Themes
ethics
|character
|society
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Being a good and honest person who deserves respect.
Having strong moral principles, integrity, and deserving public respect.
B2
FORMAL
2
tisztelt
A2
méltóságos
C1
Usage pattern:
the Honourable [Name]
The Honourable Sarah Thompson will address the assembly.
A tisztelt Sarah Thompson felszólal majd a gyűlésen.
We were welcomed by the Honourable Minister of Education.
A tisztelt oktatási miniszter fogadott bennünket.
The Honourable Judge Smith presided over the case.
Learner examples
The Honourable John Brown is here.
A tisztelt John Brown itt van.
I met the Honourable Mayor yesterday.
Tegnap találkoztam a tisztelt polgármesterrel.
The Honourable Judge spoke to the court.
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly lowercase 'Honourable' when it is part of an official title; it should be capitalized in this context.
Meaning
Having an important title or position
Collocations
the Honourable Member
|the Honourable Judge
|the Honourable Minister
Synonyms
distinguished (Suggests high rank or respect, though not necessarily an official title.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Lacking special rank or title.)
Themes
government
|titles
|law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used before the name of someone with a high position in government or society.
Holding a title or position of high rank or distinction, often used formally before names.
Grammar
Dictionary form
honourable
IPA
GB/ˈɑnɚəbəl/
US/ˈɑnɚəbəl/
Syllables & stress
hon - our - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (hon)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: honourable
Word family
Expressions
an honourable mention
1/ən ˈɑnɚəbəl mˈɛnʃən/
fixed phrase
Special recognition without main prize
A small award given to someone who did not win but did very well.
Examples
- Her painting received an honourable mention in the competition.
- The judges gave him an honourable mention for his essay.
do the honourable thing
1/dˈu ðə ˈɑnɚəbəl θˈɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Act in a morally right way
To act in a good and honest way, even if it is hard.
Examples
- He decided to do the honourable thing and resign.
- She knew doing the honourable thing meant telling the truth.