adj Uncommon

venerable

VEH-nuh-ruhbl

Venerable (adj) means commanding great respect because of age, wisdom, or long-standing achievement. Example: “The venerable professor had taught at the university for over forty years.”

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

Word forms

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.

Etymology

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

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for venerable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “venerable” mean?

The word “venerable” means commanding great respect because of age, wisdom, or long-standing achievement. In plain terms, deserving deep respect, usually because of age, wisdom, or a long, distinguished history.

How do you pronounce “venerable”?

“Venerable” is pronounced VEH-nuh-ruhbl (/ˈvɛnəɹəbl/ in IPA).

How do you use “venerable” in a sentence?

Here is “venerable” used in a sentence: “The venerable professor had taught at the university for over forty years.”

What part of speech is “venerable”?

“Venerable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “venerable” come from?

The word “venerable” comes from Latin. From Old French venerable, from Latin venerabilis, from venerari ("to revere, worship").

Is “venerable” a common word?

“Venerable” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “venerable” have?

“Venerable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: commanding great respect because of age, wisdom, or long-standing achievement.

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