adjective

venerable

/ˈvenərəbəl/ · say it: VEN·er·uh·bul

commanding respect through age or dignity

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) worthy of respect because of age, dignity, or wisdom

2. (adjective) very old or ancient

Examples

1. The venerable professor has taught at the university for fifty years.
2. The venerable oak tree has stood in the center of the village for centuries.

How to use venerable

Venerable is used to describe people, institutions, or things that command respect due to their long history, established status, or accumulated wisdom. It carries a formal, often reverent tone and suggests dignity rather than mere oldness. It differs from simply 'old' by adding connotations of honor and worthiness.

Common phrases

venerable institution
venerable tradition
venerable age
venerable elder
venerable building

Synonyms

respected · esteemed · dignified · revered · august

Opposites

disrespected · contemptible

Word family

venerability (noun) · venerably (adverb) · venerate (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use venerable to mean merely 'very old' without the respect and dignity component; it is not a neutral descriptor of age but an evaluative one.

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