highly respectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly respectable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is seen as honorable, reputable, or prestigious. Example: The new CEO of the company is highly respectable, with a strong track record of ethical leadership. Example: The family has a history of highly respectable members, including doctors, lawyers, and philanthropists.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a highly respectable leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

The family is considered intensely private and highly respectable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

X's brothers, all highly respectable, are ranged along the wall, listening and supportive.

The Guardian - Music

García's best Masters finish is still a highly respectable tie for fourth, precisely a decade ago.

The Guardian - Sport

It's going to be difficult, because many members of the deficit cult seem highly respectable.

The New York Times

Gould was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, of a highly respectable New England family.

The New Yorker

The resulting $42.2m £27.9mm) weekend haul through Buena Vista pushed the family movie's running total to a highly respectable $145m.

The Guardian - Film

Madison, Sparks reported, viewed Marshall's volumes as "highly respectable" but riddled with "the bias of party feeling".

The New Yorker

Harrington finished in a highly respectable tie for fifth at the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa last weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

(The above comes from some highly respectable academic sources who inform me that yongdoja confers greater honor than chidoja.

The New York Times - Magazine

Former PMs and party leaders have tended to write books about highly respectable subjects (and themselves, of course).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly respectable" to describe individuals, institutions, or achievements that have earned a strong reputation for integrity, competence, and ethical behavior. This conveys a sense of established credibility and trustworthiness.

Common error

Avoid using "highly respectable" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler term like "respected" or "admired" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly respectable" primarily functions as an adjective modifier, enhancing the noun it describes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It indicates a significant level of honor, integrity, or ethical standing, adding weight to the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly respectable" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something deserving of significant admiration and esteem. As Ludwig AI points out, it is often used to convey that an individual, institution, or achievement has earned a strong reputation for integrity and ethical conduct. While versatile enough for formal and even some neutral contexts, it's less suitable for informal settings where a simpler term might suffice. Common contexts include News & Media, encyclopedias, and science, with authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employing the phrase. Consider using alternatives such as "very respectable" or "eminently respectable" to express slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very respectable

Emphasizes the respectability to a notable degree, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different intensity.

eminently respectable

Stresses the high degree of respectability, indicating it is noticeably or particularly worthy of respect.

exceedingly respectable

Similar to "eminently respectable", this underlines the exceptional level of respectability.

highly regarded

Focuses on the positive opinion others hold, rather than inherent respectability.

held in high esteem

Indicates that someone or something is admired and respected by others.

of good repute

Emphasizes having a positive reputation, suggesting a history of respectable behavior.

with an excellent reputation

Similar to 'of good repute', this highlights the positive standing one has earned over time.

estimable

Describes something or someone worthy of great respect and admiration.

venerable

Implies age and a long history of respectability, often associated with wisdom and experience.

of high standing

Focuses on the elevated position or status that results from being respectable.

FAQs

How can I use "highly respectable" in a sentence?

You can use "highly respectable" to describe someone or something that is admired and esteemed. For instance: "The professor is a "highly respectable" figure in the field of astrophysics."

What are some alternatives to "highly respectable"?

Alternatives include "very respectable", "eminently respectable", or "highly regarded", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "highly respectable" and "highly respected"?

"Highly respectable" implies inherent qualities of worthiness and integrity, while "highly respected" emphasizes the admiration and esteem held by others. Something can be respectable without being widely known or respected.

Is it appropriate to use "highly respectable" in formal writing?

Yes, "highly respectable" is well-suited for formal writing, especially when describing someone's professional achievements or the reputation of an organization. However, consider whether a simpler adjective would suffice in less formal contexts.