What does worshipful mean?
Worshipful is an adjective meaning reverent, devout, or filled with religious devotion. Its most recognizable use describes a person's manner, attitude, or silence as expressive of solemn respect or worship. The word has a formal, somewhat literary quality and is now heard chiefly in British English. Historically, it also served as an honorific meaning esteemed, respected, or worthy of high regard; this sense survives in names such as the Worshipful Company of London, one of the capital's historic livery companies. In religious contexts, the word can suggest affectionate devotion or reverential awe, but it may also carry a slightly old-fashioned tone. Worshipful should not be confused with worship, the noun or verb for religious veneration, or with worshipping, the participle describing the act of worship. Its distinction as an adjective is useful because it can characterize both people and the atmosphere or attitude surrounding them.
adjectiveReverent or filled with devotional reverence. In older and honorific usage, it can also mean worthy of worship, highly esteemed, or deserving of respect.
- Showing reverence, devotion, or respect in a religious context.
- Deserving of worship or, in older honorific usage, held in high esteem.
"The congregation fell into a worshipful silence as the candles were lit."
"The congregation fell into a worshipful silence as the candles were lit."
"The old hall still bears the name of the Worshipful Company, preserving a formal tradition from an earlier age."
“Worshipful” has a second life as an old-fashioned honorific, surviving in names such as the Worshipful Company, a historic London livery company.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does worshipful come from?
Worshipful was formed in English by adding the suffix -ful to worship. Worship descends from Old English weorþscipe, related to weorþ, “worth, honor,” and developed religious meanings of veneration and reverence during the Middle English period. The -ful suffix had long been productive in English and could create adjectives meaning “full of” or “characterized by” the preceding noun. Related forms include worship, worshiper, and worshipper.
Related word forms
How worshipful is actually used
The devotional sense is chiefly British and sounds formal, literary, or archaic in modern English. The older sense meaning “esteemed” survives mainly in formal titles and institutional names.
Easily confused with worshipful
Worship is a noun or verb referring to religious veneration, whereas worshipful is an adjective describing reverent feelings, behavior, or esteem.
Worshipping is the present participle of worship and describes the act of venerating a deity, while worshipful describes reverence or devotion as a quality.