What does "worshipful" mean?
One who is respected or distinguished.
Worshipful
/ˈwɜːʃɪpfl̩/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who is respected or distinguished.
- Grammar: worshipful is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adoring, reverent, acknowledged, admiring.
- Useful contrasts: irreverent, unworshipful, critical.
- Usage evidence: We do want to worship in a worshipful way, not just going through the motions, being entertained, or catching up with friends, but "in spirit and in truth, lost in wonder, love and praise." And then when we're not in church, we really long to live a worshipful life, to discover the comforts and challenges of God out in the real world, […]
How to use "worshipful"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "worshipful" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "worshipful" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "worshipful" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "worshipful" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "worshipful" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adoring" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "worshipful", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who is respected or distinguished. obsolete
"I was attended to the Guild-hall by the mayor, the chamberlain and ſome more worſhipfuls; but when I entered the grand magazine of imposition, I was prejudiced in favour of their modeſty in concealing of it—the floor being ſtrewed with fragments of obſolete records, cobwebs and ſpiders in all quarters, […]"
- 2 A magistrate (specifically). obsolete
Adjective
- 1 Tending to worship; showing reverence.
"We do want to worship in a worshipful way, not just going through the motions, being entertained, or catching up with friends, but "in spirit and in truth, lost in wonder, love and praise." And then when we're not in church, we really long to live a worshipful life, to discover the comforts and challenges of God out in the real world, […]"
- 2 Entitled to dignity or respect; distinguished, respected, illustrious. archaic
"[H]owe Dorbell comes to bee doctour none aſks, but doctour hee muſt bee to make him right worſhipfull."
- 3 Used as respectful form of address or honorific title for a person or body of persons, now especially in the name of a livery company. British
"To my most dredfull and Sovereigne lige Lord, I youre humble lige beseche to yowre Hyness to have in remembrance my comyng to yowre worshipful presence into York of my free will, […]"
- 4 Worthy of worship.
"But the Stoics and the poet Virgil came near to the Christian belief that God is light, and everlasting light. And is not light also ‘mystery’? Yes, unfathomable, worshipful! Lumen adorabile!"
Adjective
- 1 showing great reverence for god wordnet
- 2 showing adoration wordnet
Example
"We do want to worship in a worshipful way, not just going through the motions, being entertained, or catching up with friends, but "in spirit and in truth, lost in wonder, love and praise." And then when we're not in church, we really long to live a worshipful life, to discover the comforts and challenges of God out in the real world, […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "worshipful"?
Common synonyms include: adoring, reverent, acknowledged, admiring, admitted, adorant.
How do you use "worshipful" in a sentence?
We do want to worship in a worshipful way, not just going through the motions, being entertained, or catching up with friends, but "in spirit and in truth, lost in wonder, love and praise." And then when we're not in church, we really long to live a worshipful life, to discover the comforts and challenges of God out in the real world, […]
How do you pronounce "worshipful"?
Pronounced /ˈwɜːʃɪpfl̩/.
Etymology
From Middle English worshipful; equivalent to worship + -ful.