Venerable

mediumPositive tone

VEN-er-uh-bul

adjective

Definition

Accorded great respect because of age, wisdom, or character

Memory hook

VENER-ABLE: worthy of VENERATION — deeply respected due to age and wisdom.

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Word roots

venerarito revere(Latin)

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Examples

The venerable professor was beloved by students.
The venerable institution celebrated its centennial.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

The ______ professor was beloved by students.
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venerable

Synonyms

reveredesteemedaugusthallowed

Antonyms

disreputablecontemptibleignobledespised

Categories

View all Respect words

GRE Tip

Venerable is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "revered" or "esteemed" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "disreputable".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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