Honourable

Honourable is an adjective derived from honour, used to describe someone or something that demonstrates high moral character, integrity, fairness, or respectworthiness. It can refer to people who act with honesty and principled behavior, as well as to actions, intentions, or motives that are worthy of esteem. The term conveys a sense of virtue and ethical conduct, though its exact connotations can vary by context.

Etymology and spelling vary by variant of English. In British English and other Commonwealth varieties, the standard spelling is honourable; in American English, the corresponding form is honorable. The word also appears in formal styles and titles in different jurisdictions, where it can signal status as well as virtue.

Usage and contexts. As a description, honourable describes a person who adheres to ethical standards and acts with honesty, fairness, and loyalty. It can describe conduct, decisions, or institutions regarded as ethically solid. As a form of address, honourable or honorable is used as a courtesy title in some countries. In many Commonwealth countries, The Honourable or The Honourable is a prefix for certain elected or appointed officials, judges, or members of parliament, varying by country and tenure. In the United States, The Honorable (without the u) is a formal style used before the names of elected or appointed officials, such as judges and members of Congress, and does not itself imply personal moral judgment.

See also honor, honour, and honorary. The terms are related but distinct: honourable describes virtue; honorable as a stylistic or official form of address; honorary refers to a title or distinction awarded without full membership or responsibilities.