Venerable

Practice This Word

Deserving of deep respect or reverence, typically because of age, wisdom, or character.

adjective

Venerable

Deserving of deep respect or reverence, typically because of age, wisdom, or character.

adjective

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Imagine This

An ancient university library with venerable stone walls; a seasoned professor speaks with calm authority, and students sit reverently as a bell rings to mark the start of a time-honored lecture.

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Sounds Like

VEN-uh-ruh-buhl

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Looks Like

resembles venerate in spelling and sense; visually similar to other -able adjectives that express a quality

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Remember This

Venerable comes from Latin venerabilis, meaning worthy of veneration. It is often used for people, traditions, or institutions that carry dignity with age or longstanding significance.

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Other Forms

venerationnoun

venerabilitynoun

venerablyadverb

veneratedadjective

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Connect With

revere, venerate, reverence, august, time-honored

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Note

Use to convey respect for age, wisdom, or established dignity. Do not apply to something ordinary or temporary; avoid describing living individuals in a pejorative or sarcastic way.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The venerable professor emeritus delivered a thoughtful lecture on ethics.
The venerable oak stood at the edge of the campus, a symbol of endurance and history.

Synonyms

reveredesteemedaugusttime-honoreddignified

Antonyms

contemptibleunworthydisreputable

Etymology

From Latin venerabilis 'worthy of veneration,' from venerari 'to revere.'

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: VENERABLE = VENERATE + ABLE. Think of someone who is 'able to be venerated' because of age or wisdom.