WORTHY

Definition of WORTHY

WORTHY Adjective

Worthy is an adjective that describes possessing qualities or characteristics that merit respect, admiration, or value. It indicates that someone or something has sufficient merit, value, or suitability to be considered deserving of attention, reward, or honor.

As an Adjective (Deserving Respect or Admiration): As an adjective, worthy refers to someone or something that is deserving of respect, admiration, or honor due to their qualities or achievements. For example, “Her dedication and hard work make her a worthy candidate for the award” highlights that her efforts are deserving of recognition and respect.

As an Adjective (Value or Merit): Worthy can also describe something that has value or merit, justifying its worthiness. For instance, “The project is a worthy investment due to its potential for significant returns” suggests that the project has enough merit to be considered a valuable investment.

Examples in Language: In language, worthy is used to describe both individuals and things that possess qualities making them deserving of recognition or value. For example, “The charity is worthy of support because of its impactful work” implies that the charity deserves backing due to its valuable contributions. Similarly, “He proved himself to be a worthy leader through his effective and compassionate management” indicates that he earned respect through his leadership qualities.

Contextual Uses: Worthy can be applied in various contexts, including: Personal: Referring to individuals who are deserving of respect or recognition. Professional: Describing achievements or qualifications that merit acknowledgment or reward. Ethical: Indicating something that aligns with values or standards deserving of support or honor.

Characteristics of Being Worthy: Merit: Demonstrating qualities or achievements that justify recognition. Respectability: Possessing attributes that warrant respect or esteem. Value: Having significance or importance that makes one deserving of consideration.

Evaluating Worthiness: Assessing worthiness involves: Judgment: Evaluating the qualities or achievements that contribute to value. Criteria: Considering standards or benchmarks that define what is deserving. Recognition: Acknowledging individuals or things that meet the criteria of worthiness.

Cultural and Ethical Perspectives: The concept of worthiness can vary across cultures and ethical frameworks, reflecting different values and criteria for what is considered deserving. Understanding these perspectives provides insight into how worthiness is perceived and evaluated in various contexts.

In conclusion, worthy is an adjective that describes possessing qualities or characteristics that merit respect, admiration, or value. It indicates that someone or something is deserving of attention, recognition, or honor based on their merit, value, or suitability. Recognizing the attributes of worthiness highlights its importance in personal, professional, and ethical evaluations.

Examples of WORTHY in a sentence

  • She received an award for her worthy contributions to the community.
  • The worthy cause was supported by many generous donors.
  • His actions were considered worthy of recognition and praise.
  • The project was deemed worthy of investment due to its potential impact.
  • They found the book to be worthy of the literary prize it received.
  • The worthy candidate was selected for the prestigious position.
  • The worthy performance earned the actor a standing ovation.
  • The charity is a worthy organization that helps those in need.

Origin of WORTHY

The term worthy has a nuanced etymological history, evolving from its origins to its current usage.

Semantic Context: Worthy describes someone or something that deserves respect, attention, or consideration due to inherent qualities or merit.

  • Old English Origins: The term worthy originates from the Old English word “weorðig,” which is derived from “weorð” (meaning value or worth) combined with the suffix “-ig” (indicating possessing the quality of). Thus, “weorðig” meant possessing worth or value.
  • Middle English Development: In Middle English, “worthy” evolved from “weorðig” to “worthe,” reflecting similar meanings related to value, merit, and deservingness. It was used to describe people or things deserving respect or honor.
  • Early Modern English Usage: By the Early Modern English period, the term worthy began to be used in a broader range of contexts, including both moral and material worth. It described individuals or things considered deserving of praise, attention, or reward.
  • Contemporary Connotations: In modern English, worthy is commonly used to denote value or merit in various contexts, such as recognizing someone’s achievements, evaluating the significance of an effort, or appreciating something’s quality. The term is often used to highlight deservingness in both personal and societal contexts.

The term worthy illustrates how the concept of value and merit has evolved over time, reflecting a consistent emphasis on deservingness from its Old English roots to contemporary usage. Its development highlights the enduring importance of recognizing and appreciating worth in various aspects of life.

Synonyms

  • Deserving
  • Valuable
  • Honorable
  • Esteemed
  • Merit-worthy
  • Respectable
  • Admirable
  • Noble

Antonyms

  • Unworthy
  • Undeserving
  • Disreputable
  • Inferior
  • Negligible
  • Ignoble
  • Unimportant
  • Devalued

Related

  • Merit
  • Value
  • Dignity
  • Respect
  • Excellence
  • Importance
  • Recognition
  • Distinction

🌐 🇬🇧 WORTHY in other languages

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