Honorable vs. Respectable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 3, 2024
Honorable emphasizes integrity and a principled nature, while respectable suggests adherence to societal norms and gaining approval.
Difference Between Honorable and Respectable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Honorable often implies a strong moral compass and adherence to ethical principles, reflecting a person's inner character and integrity. Whereas respectable suggests a more external perception of dignity, often linked to one's social standing or adherence to societal norms and expectations.
While honorable actions are typically associated with valor, fairness, and a sense of duty, often going beyond what is expected to do what is right, respectable actions may align more closely with societal expectations, maintaining a good reputation among peers.
On one hand, being honorable can mean making sacrifices or choices that aren't always in one's own best interest but are made for the greater good or to uphold moral principles. On the other hand, being respectable often means acting in ways that are approved by society, which can sometimes coincide with honorable actions but may also simply reflect a conformity to social norms.
The concept of honor can vary greatly across different cultures and contexts, sometimes emphasizing personal integrity and at other times focusing on social respect and status. Conversely, respectability is more universally understood as the quality of being decent, proper, and worthy of respect from others, often in a more conventional or traditional sense.
Honorable people are often celebrated for their courage, honesty, and altruism, qualities that can inspire admiration and respect. Respectable people, while also admired, are often recognized for their reliability, responsibility, and social appropriateness, which can foster trust and esteem in social or professional settings.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Inner morality and ethics
External social approval
Key Qualities
Integrity, valor, altruism
Decency, conformity, propriety
Societal Perception
Admired for moral courage
Admired for social adherence
Cultural Variation
Definitions can vary widely
More universally understood
Outcome Orientation
Doing what is right
Meeting societal expectations
Compare with Definitions
Honorable
Deserving of honor and respect.
The veteran's service to his country was truly honorable.
Respectable
Adequate or sufficient; decent.
He earns a respectable salary.
Honorable
Adhering to ethical and moral principles.
The judge was known for his honorable conduct in and out of the courtroom.
Respectable
Meriting respect or esteem.
His contributions to the community were both significant and respectable.
Honorable
Characterized by or showing high moral qualities.
It was an honorable decision to return the lost wallet with all its contents.
Respectable
Worthy of respect or approval.
She built a respectable career over the years.
Honorable
Associated with principles of honor.
Engaging in fair play is considered honorable in sports.
Respectable
Conforming to socially accepted standards.
Wearing formal attire to the event was considered respectable.
Honorable
Worthy of respect or high regard.
Her honorable intentions were evident in her volunteer work.
Respectable
Regarded by society as decent or proper.
They lived in a respectable neighborhood.
Honorable
Deserving or winning honor and respect
Led an honorable life.
Respectable
Meriting respect or esteem; worthy.
Honorable
Bringing distinction or recognition
Honorable service to one's nation.
Respectable
Of or appropriate to good or proper behavior or conventional conduct.
Honorable
Possessing and characterized by honor
An honorable person.
Respectable
Of moderately good quality
Respectable work.
Honorable
Consistent with honor or good name
Followed the only honorable course of action.
Respectable
Considerable in amount, number, or size
A respectable sum of money.
Honorable
Distinguished; illustrious
This honorable gathering of scholars.
Respectable
Acceptable in appearance; presentable
A respectable hat.
Honorable
Attended by marks of recognition and honor
Received an honorable burial.
Respectable
Deserving respect.
His accomplishments, morals, loyalty, and stature make him a respectable person.
Honorable
Used as a title of respect for certain high government officials
The Honorable Jane Doe, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.
Respectable
Decent; satisfactory.
Turn up to the interview wearing something respectable.
She plays a respectable game of chess.
He got a respectable B+ on his last exam.
Honorable
Used as a courtesy title for the children of barons and viscounts and the younger sons of earls.
Respectable
Moderately well-to-do.
Honorable
Used in the House of Commons as a title of respect when speaking of another member.
Respectable
A person who is respectable.
Honorable
Worthy of respect; respectable.
Respectable
Worthy of respect; fitted to awaken esteem; deserving regard; hence, of good repute; not mean; as, a respectable citizen.
No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected, without being truly respectable.
Honorable
(politics) A courtesy title, given in Britain and the Commonwealth to a cabinet minister, minister of state, or senator, and in the United States to the president, vice president, congresspeople, state governors and legislators, and mayors.
Respectable
Moderate in degree of excellence or in number; as, a respectable performance; a respectable audience.
Honorable
A politician or other person who bears the title of "honorable".
Respectable
Worthy of respect;
A respectable woman
Honorable
Worthy of honor; fit to be esteemed or regarded; estimable; illustrious.
Thy name and honorable family.
Respectable
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
Honorable
High-minded; actuated by principles of honor, or a scrupulous regard to probity, rectitude, or reputation.
Respectable
Large in amount or extent or degree;
It cost a considerable amount
A goodly amount
Received a hefty bonus
A respectable sum
A tidy sum of money
A sizable fortune
Honorable
Proceeding from an upright and laudable cause, or directed to a just and proper end; not base; irreproachable; fair; as, an honorable motive.
Is this proceeding just and honorable?
Honorable
Conferring honor, or produced by noble deeds.
Honorable wounds from battle brought.
Honorable
Worthy of respect; regarded with esteem; to be commended; consistent with honor or rectitude.
Marriage is honorable in all.
Honorable
Performed or accompanied with marks of honor, or with testimonies of esteem; as, an honorable burial.
Honorable
Of reputable association or use; respectable.
Let her descend: my chambers are honorable.
Honorable
An epithet of respect or distinction; as, the honorable Senate; the honorable gentleman.
Honorable
Not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent;
Honest lawyers
Honest reporting
An honest wage
Honest weight
Honorable
Showing or characterized by honor and integrity;
An honorable man
Led an honorable life
Honorable service to his country
Honorable
Used as a title of respect;
My honorable colleague
Our worthy commanding officer
Honorable
Adhering to ethical and moral principles;
It seems ethical and right
Followed the only honorable course of action
Had the moral courage to stand alone
Honorable
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
Common Curiosities
Can a person be respectable but not honorable?
Yes, a person can be seen as respectable by adhering to societal norms without necessarily acting on a strong moral compass.
Why is respectability important in society?
Respectability helps maintain social order by encouraging adherence to accepted norms and standards.
Can honorable actions make one respectable?
Often, yes, as acting honorably can earn one respect and admiration from others.
Is it better to be honorable or respectable?
The preference depends on personal or societal values, prioritizing either internal ethics or external social approval.
Are there any professions that are inherently more honorable or respectable?
Some professions, like medicine or public service, are often viewed as more honorable or respectable due to their societal contributions.
How is honor different across cultures?
Honor can have varying definitions, focusing on either personal integrity or social status depending on cultural context.
Does being respectable ensure personal happiness?
Not necessarily, as happiness can depend on various factors, including personal values and the balance between social conformity and individuality.
What makes someone honorable?
Being honorable involves adhering to ethical principles and acting with integrity.
How do honor and respectability affect leadership?
Leaders viewed as honorable or respectable may be more effective in inspiring trust and following among their constituents.
How do children learn about honor and respectability?
Through cultural norms, family values, and societal expectations conveyed by role models and education.
Can organizations or entities be considered honorable or respectable?
Yes, based on their actions, principles, and the public's perception of their integrity and adherence to norms.
How do historical figures exemplify honor or respectability?
Through their actions, decisions, and the lasting impact they have on society and cultural values.
Can someone regain lost honor or respectability?
Yes, through actions that demonstrate genuine change, integrity, and adherence to societal norms.
How do modern technologies affect perceptions of honor and respectability?
Technologies, especially social media, can amplify or diminish perceptions based on public visibility and scrutiny.
Is the concept of honor outdated?
Not necessarily; while its manifestations may evolve, the core values of honor continue to be relevant in many societies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
