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.