honorable pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honorable pursuit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or goal that is considered noble or worthy of respect. Example: "She dedicated her life to the honorable pursuit of justice for the marginalized communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

One way you presently dim the playing field (in the honorable pursuit of justice) is to disallow colleagues and pals to review one another.

The New York Times - Books

The legendary crime and western novelist Elmore Leonard, who died on Tuesday at 87, helped elevate literary genres once perceived as lowly into a respected and honorable pursuit.

The New York Times

In a formal statement on the cancellation, Mr. Mehta said he was "frankly shocked" by the Georgian government's actions and regretted "the unfortunate culmination of this honorable pursuit".

The New York Times - Arts

Within the context of the jazz world, Djangophilia is an honorable pursuit; but to see it in action is a bit like watching a bunch of talented actors standing around in fedoras and doing Bogey for an hour.

The New York Times - Arts

Since its very beginning, India's space program has attracted two extreme reactions — that it is an important and honorable pursuit, which should make every Indian fiercely proud; and that it is a wasteful expenditure in a country where children die of starvation, a poor nation trying to compensate for its sense of smallness by assuming a phony machismo.

The New York Times

Look, freedom from oppression is an honorable pursuit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My parents, who will likely have to keep working well into old age, did get their vindication when I accumulated enough cultural capital through my more poorly-paid, but honorable pursuits to get a few glowing profiles in the mainstream media.

The Guardian - Opinion

Markedly, in our younger years, we come to think of societal expectations as honorable pursuits.

Huffington Post

To me, that is as honorable a pursuit in China as it is in this country.

TechCrunch

Last year, New York City-based Grovo raised a round of funding with an honorable, if not lofty pursuit for all the web novices out there.

TechCrunch

Second, the millennials' interest in a sales career can be influenced by a program that emphasizes professional behavior in the pursuit of an honorable occupation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "honorable pursuit", ensure that the context clearly reflects the moral or ethical value associated with the activity being described. This reinforces the positive connotation of the phrase and avoids any unintended irony.

Common error

Avoid using "honorable pursuit" in casual or informal situations. The phrase carries a sense of formality and seriousness, making it unsuitable for lighthearted or everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honorable pursuit" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "honorable" modifies the noun "pursuit". It typically describes a goal, activity, or ambition that is considered virtuous, ethical, and worthy of admiration. Ludwig provides examples where it describes things like justice, literary genres, and space programs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honorable pursuit" is a noun phrase used to describe a goal or activity considered virtuous and worthy of respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in neutral to formal contexts, especially news and media. While alternatives like "noble endeavor" or "worthy cause" exist, "honorable pursuit" carries a distinct emphasis on moral integrity. Remember to reserve its usage for appropriate settings and be mindful of potential misinterpretations in informal contexts. The examples found in Ludwig highlight its application to diverse fields, reinforcing its versatile yet refined nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble endeavor

Emphasizes the high moral quality and ambition of the undertaking.

worthy cause

Highlights the value and importance of the goal being pursued.

virtuous undertaking

Stresses the moral excellence and righteousness of the activity.

admirable quest

Focuses on the praiseworthy and inspiring nature of the search or journey.

laudable ambition

Highlights the deserving of praise and the strong desire for achievement.

respectable aim

Underscores the socially acceptable and esteemed nature of the objective.

esteemed goal

Focuses on the highly regarded and valued nature of the objective.

righteous mission

Emphasizes the morally justifiable and just nature of the purpose.

principled objective

Highlights the adherence to strong moral principles in pursuing the goal.

upstanding effort

Stresses the moral and ethical integrity of the endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "honorable pursuit" in a sentence?

You can use "honorable pursuit" to describe a goal or activity that is considered morally good and worthy of respect. For example, "She dedicated her life to the "honorable pursuit" of justice for all citizens".

What are some alternatives to "honorable pursuit"?

Alternatives include "noble endeavor", "worthy cause", or "virtuous undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "honorable pursuit" formal or informal?

"Honorable pursuit" leans towards the formal side. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly serious. In those scenarios, consider more relaxed alternatives like "good cause".

Can "honorable pursuit" be used sarcastically?

While primarily used to denote genuine respect, "honorable pursuit" could be used sarcastically if the context clearly indicates the speaker believes the pursuit is not actually honorable. However, this usage should be approached with caution to avoid misinterpretation.