What is honorable? Pronunciation and usage in English

honorable means . Learn how to pronounce and use honorable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of honorable

honorableadjective

/ˈɒnərəbl//ˈɑːnərəbl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "honorable." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's divided into three syllables:

  • Hon - (like "on" as in "on the table")
  • o - (a short, uh-sounding "o" – think "go")
  • nor - (like "norr" – rhymes with "shore")

2. Sounds:

  • "Hon": This is the easiest part. It's a clear "on" sound.
  • "o": A very short, unstressed "o" sound. Don't over-emphasize it. It’s almost like a brief "uh" sound.
  • "nor": This is key. It rhymes with "shore" or "more". The "r" at the end is lightly rolled (if you can – most people don’t roll their "r"s much in American English).

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly: “Hon-o-nor”

Then, gradually speed up. It should sound like: "Hohn-o-nur"

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't stress the "o": It's a very short vowel sound.
  • The "r" is light: It’s not a strong, rolled "r" like you might hear in Spanish.
  • Focus on the rhythm: It's a three-beat word.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the "r")?

Usage and examples with the word honorable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "honorable" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a few different nuances.

1. Core Meaning: Deserving Respect and Praise

At its most basic, "honorable" means worthy of respect, admiration, and praise. It describes someone or something that possesses good moral character and integrity.

  • Example: "He was an honorable soldier, renowned for his bravery and loyalty." (He was respected for his good qualities.)
  • Example: "It's an honorable profession to be a teacher." (Teaching is seen as a respectable and admirable job.)

2. Relating to a Title or Position of Respect

“Honorable” is often used as a prefix to denote a formal title or position, particularly in military, legal, and political contexts.

  • Example: "General" (a title of honor)
  • Example: "Judge" (often used as an honorable title)
  • Example: "Honorable Member" (used for members of legislatures or committees)

3. Acting with Integrity and Morality

This is a key aspect of the word. "Honorable" describes actions that align with a strong moral compass.

  • Example: "It was an honorable thing for him to confess his mistake." (He did something morally right.)
  • Example: "She handled the situation with honorable grace." (She acted with dignity and integrity even under pressure.)
  • Example: "The company's decision to donate to the charity was an honorable gesture." (It was seen as a good and ethical thing to do.)

4. Referring to a Prize or Award (Less Common)

Occasionally, "honorable" can be used to describe a prize or award that isn’t the top one, but still carries prestige.

  • Example: "He received an honorable mention for his artwork." (He was recognized, but didn’t win first place.)

Here's a breakdown of how it's used in different contexts with examples:

Context Meaning Example
Character Admirable moral qualities "She is an honorable woman."
Actions Showing integrity and good morals "It was an honorable act of service."
Titles/Positions A formal, respectable designation "The Honorable Mayor addressed the crowd."
Prizes Recognition that isn't the highest “He received an honorable third place.”

Tips for Using "Honorable" Effectively:

  • Consider the context: Think about what you’re trying to convey - a person’s character, a specific action, or a formal title.
  • Synonyms: Words like "respectable," "esteemed," "moral," "integrity," and "dignified" can sometimes be used instead, depending on the nuance you want to emphasize.
  • Don't overuse it: It's a strong word; using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., essay, story, email)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re considering using the word "honorable"?

Synonyms for the word honorable

Practice with vocabulary honorable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It is an ____________ tradition for the outgoing president to formally pass on the responsibilities to their successor.
  2. The board expects all its members to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity, adhering to an ____________ code of conduct.
  3. Despite facing significant obstacles, the team's persistent dedication to completing the project was truly ____________.
  4. His decision to decline the promotion, citing a conflict of interest, demonstrated his strong ____________ principles.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The veteran diplomat, known for his unwavering integrity and commitment to peace, was described as an ____________ figure throughout his career. A. honorable B. prestigious C. respectable D. notorious

  2. Choosing to prioritize the welfare of the employees over personal gain was an ____________ decision by the CEO. A. honorable B. ethical C. righteous D. opportunistic

  3. The public generally views individuals who consistently fulfill their promises and maintain transparent practices as ____________. A. honorable B. reputable C. credible D. deceitful

  4. The meticulous research and groundbreaking findings presented in her latest paper were widely considered ____________. A. commendable B. satisfactory C. praiseworthy D. average

  5. During the formal ceremony, all attendees maintained a ____________ posture and respectful silence. A. arrogant B. dignified C. respectable D. casual

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness in her journalism has earned her profound respect. Rewrite using "honorable" or a related word form: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Original: She received an award for her impressive, research-driven work. Rewrite using "honorable" or a related word form: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ **Original: He received an award for his dedicated efforts in community service. Rewrite without using "honorable" or its related word forms, but use a suitable replacement word: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ **Original: He was given a special acknowledgement for his outstanding service to the community. Rewrite using "honorary" or a related word form: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ **Original: The esteemed scholar was given a degree to acknowledge his important literary work. Rewrite using "honorary" or a related word form: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer Key:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. honorable
  2. honorable
  3. commendable
  4. ethical

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A. honorable, C. respectable (Explanation: "Honorable" implies high moral character and integrity. "Respectable" means worthy of respect. "Prestigious" refers more to status or reputation rather than personal conduct. "Notorious" is negative.)
  2. A. honorable, B. ethical, C. righteous (Explanation: All three imply a morally correct and principled decision. "Opportunistic" implies self-interest.)
  3. A. honorable, B. reputable, C. credible (Explanation: All three describe individuals who are trusted, have good standing, and whose word can be relied upon. "Deceitful" is the opposite.)
  4. A. commendable, C. praiseworthy (Explanation: Both words mean deserving of praise or approval. "Satisfactory" is adequate but not necessarily exceptional, and "average" is merely ordinary.)
  5. B. dignified, C. respectable (Explanation: Both "dignified" and "respectable" describe a proper and serious bearing suitable for a formal occasion. "Arrogant" is showing an offensive attitude of superiority, and "casual" implies informality.)

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness in her journalism has earned her profound respect. Rewrite using "honorable" or a related word form: She is an honorable journalist, known for her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness.
  2. Original: He received an award for his dedicated efforts in community service. Rewrite without using "honorable" or its related word forms, but use a suitable replacement word: He received an award for his meritorious efforts in community service.
  3. Original: The esteemed scholar was given a degree to acknowledge his important literary work. Rewrite using "honorary" or a related word form: The esteemed scholar was awarded an honorary degree to acknowledge his important literary work.

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