Kunniarvoinen

Kunniarvoinen is a Finnish adjective meaning worthy of honor or dignified. It is used to describe a person, action, or thing that deserves respect, esteem, or moral recognition. The term can apply to individuals, such as kunniarvoinen mies, as well as to deeds or circumstances, for example kunniarvoinen teko, indicating that the act is admirable or honorable.

Etymology and form: The word is a compound of kunnia (honor) and arvoinen (worthy), with the common adjectival suffix -inen. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts and follows ordinary Finnish adjective agreement, appearing in attributive position before a noun or predicatively in sentences.

Usage notes: Kunniarvoinen emphasizes moral merit or civic virtue. It is not interchangeable with more everyday synonyms like arvoltaan arvokas in all contexts, but both convey dignity and respect. The term is common in speeches, commemorations, journalism, and literature when praising conduct, service, or character. Examples include: “Hän on kunniarvoinen mies” and “Teko oli kunniarvoinen.” The phrase can modify various nouns in standard Finnish; inflection follows regular patterns of -inen adjectives (kunniarvoisen teon, kunniarvoisen miehen, etc.).

Related terms: kunnia (honor), arvo (worth/value), arvoisa ( courteous or honorable as a title), and kunniamaininta (commendation) or kunniankannatus (honorary support). While kunniarvoinen conveys moral worth, its usage tends to be more formal and solemn than everyday descriptors.

See also: Finnish vocabulary related to honor, virtue, and recognition, including kunnia, arvo, and arvoisa.