honourable
gb/ˈɑnɚəbəl/ us/ˈɑnɚəbəl/
B2
English
~ 4100
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
B2
property
1
Having high moral standards
Being a good and honest person who deserves respect.
Usage pattern:
an honourable [person/action/decision]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'honourable' with 'honored'. 'Honourable' describes a person or action with good morals; 'honored' means feeling proud or privileged.
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.)
Collocations
honourable man
|honourable conduct
|honourable intentions
|honourable position
Themes
ethics
|character
|society
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is known as an honourable judge who always acts fairly.
- It was an honourable decision to admit the mistake.
- 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.
- That was an honourable choice.
- She made an honourable promise.
- It is good to be honourable.
adjective
formal
B2
property
2
Having an important title or position
Used before the name of someone with a high position in government or society.
Usage pattern:
the Honourable [Name]
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly lowercase 'Honourable' when it is part of an official title; it should be capitalized in this context.
Synonyms
distinguished (Suggests high rank or respect, though not necessarily an official title.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Lacking special rank or title.)
Collocations
the Honourable Member
|the Honourable Judge
|the Honourable Minister
Themes
government
|titles
|law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The Honourable Sarah Thompson will address the assembly.
- We were welcomed by the Honourable Minister of Education.
- The Honourable Judge Smith presided over the case.
Learner examples
- The Honourable John Brown is here.
- I met the Honourable Mayor yesterday.
- The Honourable Judge spoke to the court.
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.