eervolle

Eervolle is a Dutch adjective meaning honorable or esteemed. It is used to describe people, roles, or actions that are regarded with respect in formal or ceremonial language. The term carries a sense of dignity and traditional courtesy, often appearing in official or protocol contexts.

Etymology and form: Eervolle derives from the noun eer, meaning honor, with a suffix that forms adjectives. It follows the standard Dutch agreement pattern, changing form to align with the gender and number of the noun it modifies (eervolle heer, eervolle mevrouw, eervolle gasten). The word is most commonly found in formal or old-fashioned registers.

Usage context: The adjective is typically reserved for formal writing, ceremonial occasions, or traditional salutations. It can appear before titles in addresses, such as Eervolle Heer, Eervolle Mevrouw, or in phrases like eervolle vermelding or eervolle functie. In contemporary everyday language, speakers and writers often prefer more neutral terms such as Geachte or Hoogachtend, and eervolle is increasingly associated with outdated or ceremonial tone. It remains in use in state, judicial, or royal contexts where strict etiquette is observed.

Examples: Phrases include de eervolle vermelding (the honorable mention), een eervolle gast (an esteemed guest), or de eervolle heer de Graaf als gastspreker (the honorable lord the Count as guest speaker). The related adjective eervol can be used more broadly, including adverbial senses, though eervol is less common in modern formal writing.

See also: Geachte, Hoogachtend, eer, eerwoord, eervol.