Definition of honourable

The origin of the word "honourable" dates back to the Old French word "onourable," which literally translates to "worthy of honour." The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought this term to England, where it was adopted and integrated into the English language. Over time, the meaning of "honourable" evolved to also refer to individuals who were of high social rank or held prominent positions in society, such as nobles, court officials, and members of parliament. This was because in medieval Europe, honour and reputation were closely linked with social status and respectability. The modern usage of "honourable" as an adjective to describe someone who exhibits honourable qualities such as integrity, fairness, and trustworthiness, likely developed during the Enlightenment period, when ideals like honesty, virtue, and moral principles were promoted. The Latin term "honorabilis" also contributed to the usage of "honourable" in modern English. It referred to someone who deserved honour, respect, or distinction, and were trusted and valued members of their community. In summary, the word "honourable" has its roots in Old French, and its meaning has evolved to describe someone worthy of honour because of their character or social position. The word has also been influenced by Latin and has become synonymous with qualities like fairness, integrity, and trustworthiness in modern usage.