venerable figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "venerable figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is respected due to age, wisdom, or character, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The conference featured 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

6 human-written examples

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

Malik Saeed Hassan, a retired judge of the Lahore High Court, a venerable figure who began practicing law in the late 1950s, told me that the decision constituted "the first victory over military authority in 60 years".

The New York Times - Magazine

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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

He hired Richard Meier as an adviser, and they selected venerable figures such as Graves, Cobb, Richard Rogers, and Philip Johnson, along with younger celebrity architects — Zaha Hadid, Steven Holl, Shigeru Ban, and Eric Owen Moss — to design houses.

The New Yorker

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "venerable figure" when you want to convey a sense of deep respect and admiration for someone due to their age, experience, or character. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing historical or influential individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "venerable figure" in casual or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound out of place and even pretentious if used inappropriately. Opt for simpler alternatives like "respected person" or "elder statesman" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "venerable figure" functions as a noun phrase, where "venerable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "figure". It is used to describe a person who commands respect, often due to age, wisdom, or significant contributions as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "venerable figure" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe someone highly respected, usually due to age or long-standing achievements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its primary context is News & Media, it maintains a formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. Consider alternatives like "respected elder" or "esteemed personality" depending on the desired nuance. It's important to avoid using it in casual conversation, where it may sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respected elder

This alternative focuses on the age and respect associated with the person.

esteemed personality

This alternative highlights the high regard and character of the person.

revered individual

This alternative emphasizes the deep respect and admiration held for the person.

honored leader

This alternative suggests a position of leadership and the honor associated with it.

dignified character

This alternative focuses on the noble and respectable nature of the person.

senior statesman

This alternative implies experience in politics or diplomacy.

wise old head

This alternative emphasizes wisdom gained through age and experience.

grand old person

This alternative, while less common, captures the age and importance of the individual.

historical figure

This alternative refers to someone important in history.

iconic presence

This alternative highlights the impact and recognition of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "venerable figure" in a sentence?

You can use "venerable figure" to describe someone who is highly respected, often due to their age or experience. For example, "The conference featured a "venerable figure" in the field of economics".

What are some alternatives to saying "venerable figure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "respected elder", "esteemed personality", or "revered individual".

Is it appropriate to use "venerable figure" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "venerable figure" is quite formal. It's generally more suitable for formal writing or speeches than casual conversation. Simpler terms like "respected person" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What characteristics define a "venerable figure"?

A "venerable figure" is typically someone who has earned respect through long-standing achievements, wisdom, and often, advanced age. They are seen as authoritative and influential in their field or community.