honōrābilis
The English phrase "honorable" can be translated into Latin as honōrābilis. Wiktionary also lists honestus.
Meaning: worthy of respect (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| honōrābilis | |
| honestus | [hɔˈnɛs.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [oˈnɛs.tus] (narrow) |
The term used depends on whether you are describing someone's worthiness of respect or their moral character. honōrābilis is used to describe someone or something that is worthy of being honored or respected. In contrast, honestus is used to describe a person who is honorable through their virtue, integrity or moral character.
Which one should you use?
While honōrābilis emphasizes being worthy of respect or deserving of honor, honestus focuses on the person's sense of virtue and respectability. For a more formal sense of awe and reverence, venerabilis is an option.
How does it change in a sentence?
honestus is the masculine singular nominative form of the adjective.
Did you know?
- The Latin word honōs (honor) actually referred to a specific public office or a prize, meaning that being 'honorable' was often a matter of holding a tangible position in the state.
- Romans used venerabilis to describe things that inspired a sense of 'veneratio', which is a mixture of respect and religious dread.
- Because honestus could mean both 'virtuous' and 'of high rank', a Roman might use it to describe a wealthy aristocrat whose social position was considered respectable, even if their personal character was questionable.
Examples in context
- Amice honorabilis, te valere volo.Honorable friend, I wish you well.
- Inter pares clarus esse vis, semper probus esto.If you want to be honored among peers, always be virtuous.
- Salve, honorande! Quid agis hodie?Hello, honorable one! How are you today?
- Amicos honestos semper quaero.I always seek honorable friends.
- Vir est honōrābilis.The man is honorable.
- Hic modus est honōrābilis.This way is honorable.
- Vita honōrābilis est.A life is honorable.
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are discussing a local official.
- LuciusEstne senator honōrābilis?Is the senator honorable?
- JuliaIta, puto eum honōrābilem esse.Yes, I think he is honorable.
- LuciusGrata est haec nuntiatio.This news is welcome.
- JuliaOmnes eum laudant.Everyone praises him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “honorable” translations and entries honestus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
