a venerable figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a venerable figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is respected due to age, wisdom, or character, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The conference was graced by a venerable figure in the field of science, whose contributions have shaped modern research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A venerable figure from the "Today" programme, the BBC's most serious morning radio show, is pulled aside and called a "bald, fat, Scottish git," as he begs for his life.

The Economist

Though Jyn had never exhibited any spirit of revolt — she'd had enough trouble surviving, even pseudonymously, merely keeping her head down — she's thrown together with a venerable figure from her past, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), who huffs with a breathing mask seemingly borrowed from David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" and reminds her of long-standing affinities.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yes, large wall mirrors are a venerable design trick.

The New York Times

A venerable, imposing figure, Ms. Nordstrom was widely considered the finest children's book editor of the era.

The New York Times - Books

The venerable figure that he is, I can just about picture him telling a group of despondent young residents that it would be naive to think that a terminally ill doctor might avoid the fate of many of his patients.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here I met with several professors, including Hugh Nibley, who is the most venerable figure in Mormon scholarship, although he is little known outside it.

The New Yorker

At any rate, the venerable figure of the distinguished novelist, wearing opera hat and cape, stood outside a house, in the fading light, and peered through a window at the young lady and one or two other girls, to give them what he might have called "the tiniest of thrills".

The New Yorker

It simply won't wash for senior figures in the industry to blame our troubles on an influx of untrained young people: the ITV Alzheimer's documentary and the trailer for the series about the Queen were made by a couple of the most venerable figures in the business.

The Guardian - Opinion

See articleFerdinand Piëch, the chairman of Volkswagen and one of corporate Germany's most venerable figures, gave evidence at the corruption trial of two former VW insiders.

The Economist

Two venerable figures — the musician Ned Rothenberg and the performance artist Rinde Eckert — take the stage in "Five Beasts," a portrait of humanity as seen through the eyes of animals.

The New Yorker

There is an irony in the fact that at the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union, for example, their councils are made up of venerable figures from the grassroots of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a venerable figure" when you want to convey a sense of deep respect and admiration for someone, often due to their age, experience, and significant contributions to a field.

Common error

Avoid using "a venerable figure" sarcastically or in contexts where genuine respect is not intended. Its gravitas can be undermined by inappropriate application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a venerable figure" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as a subject complement or object, depending on the sentence structure. It describes a person who is respected due to their age, wisdom, or character, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a venerable figure" is used to describe someone who is deeply respected, often because of their age, experience, or significant contributions. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely common, its usage effectively conveys a sense of reverence and admiration. Remember to use it in contexts where genuine respect is intended to avoid undermining its gravitas. Consider alternatives like "a respected individual" or "a distinguished personality" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respected individual

Focuses more on the respect the person commands rather than their age or long service.

an esteemed person

Emphasizes the high regard in which the person is held.

a distinguished personality

Highlights the person's notable achievements and character.

a highly regarded leader

Specifically points to their leadership role and the positive opinion others have.

a senior statesman

Implies experience in politics or diplomacy and respected status.

an elder statesman

Similar to senior statesman, emphasizing age and wisdom from experience.

a wise old soul

More informal, highlighting wisdom gained through life experience.

a time-honored personality

Stresses the tradition and long-standing respect.

an iconic person

Highlights that the person is very well known and acknowledged.

a notable figure

Stresses the notability of the person.

FAQs

How do you use "a venerable figure" in a sentence?

You can use "a venerable figure" to describe someone who commands respect due to their age, wisdom, and accomplishments. For example, "The conference was honored to have "a venerable figure" in the field of medicine as a keynote speaker."

What can I say instead of "a venerable figure"?

You can use alternatives like "a respected individual", "an esteemed person", or "a distinguished personality" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a venerable figure" to describe someone young?

While "venerable" usually implies age and experience, it's technically possible if the young person has achieved a level of respect and admiration typically associated with older individuals due to their extraordinary achievements or wisdom. However, it's more common and generally more appropriate to reserve the term for older individuals.

What is the difference between "a venerable figure" and "a famous figure"?

"A famous figure" simply means someone is widely known. "A venerable figure" implies respect, admiration, and often a sense of reverence, usually earned through years of service, wisdom, or significant contributions. You can be famous without being venerable, and vice versa.