venerable

/ˈvɛnərəbəl/

/ˈvɛnɪrəbəl/

Other forms: venerably

To be venerable is to be admired and respected because of your status or age. You become venerable by achieving great things or just by living long enough.

The adjective venerable means "admired" and "respected" — it should describe how you feel about old folks and bosses, for example. It describes the wise old man at the top of the mountain who tells you the meaning of life. As a noun, the Venerable refers to someone high up in a religion, usually Christian. In fact, Saint Bede, who is sometimes called the Father of English History, is often referred to as Bede the Venerable.

Definitions of venerable

1. adjective

   profoundly honored
   synonyms: august, revered

   honorable, honourable

   worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
2. adjective

   impressive by reason of age
   “a venerable sage with white hair and beard”

   synonyms:

   old

   (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age