honorable Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
    honest.
    • honest lawyers
    • honest reporting
  2. adjective worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
    honourable.
    • an honorable man
    • led an honorable life
    • honorable service to his country
  3. adjective satellite adhering to ethical and moral principles
    ethical; honourable.
    • it seems ethical and right
    • followed the only honorable course of action
  4. adjective satellite deserving of esteem and respect
    good; estimable; respectable.
    • all respectable companies give guarantees
    • ruined the family's good name

WordNet

Hon"or*a*ble adjective
Etymology
F. honorable, L. honorabilis.
Definitions
  1. Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable; illustrious.
    Thy name and honorable family. Shak.
  2. High-minded; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation.
  3. Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive.
    Is this proceeding just and honorable? Shak.
  4. Conferring honor, or produced by noble deeds.
    Honorable wounds from battle brought. Dryden.
  5. Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem; to be commended; consistent with honor or rectitude.
    Marriage is honorable in all. Heb. xiii. 4.
  6. Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; an honorable burial.
  7. Of reputable association or use; respectable.
    Let her descend: my chambers are honorable. Shak.
  8. An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable Senate; the honorable gentleman. ✍ Honorable is a title of quality, conferred by English usage upon the younger children of earls and all the children of viscounts and barons. The maids of honor, lords of session, and the supreme judges of England and Ireland are entitled to the prefix. In American usage, it is a title of courtesy merely, bestowed upon those who hold, or have held, any of the higher public offices, esp. governors, judges, members of Congress or of the Senate, mayors.

Webster 1913