adj

venerable

VEH-nuh-ruhbl

adj

Commanding great respect because of age, wisdom, or long-standing achievement.

"The venerable professor had taught at the university for over forty years."

"They visited the venerable old temple on the hill."

A formal title of respect given in some religious traditions, such as an early stage of Catholic sainthood or an honorific for Anglican archdeacons.

"The Vatican declared her Venerable, the first step toward possible sainthood."

How to Use Venerable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDeserving deep respect, usually because of age, wisdom, or a long, distinguished history.

Common pairings

a venerable institution venerable tradition venerable elder

more venerable comparative, more Venerable comparative, Venerables plural, most venerable superlative, most Venerable superlative

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The _____ professor had taught at the university for over forty years.

From Old French venerable, from Latin venerabilis, from venerari ("to revere, worship").

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