Reading Theme:
Worthy: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：deserving of effort (worthy)
worthy
/ˈwɜːrði/
adj.
Deserving of the time, money, or effort you put into something.
deserving of effort
➕
/dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ əv ˈefərt/
adj.
This meaning refers to something that justifies the resources expended on it, such as time, money, or labor.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old English 'weorþ' meaning value, with adjective suffix '-y', indicating having value or merit.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'worth' + 'y' – if something has worth, it is worthy.
📖 Example
All her hard work finally paid off, proving that the goal was worthy of her effort.
Her perseverance showed that the goal deserved all the hard work she put in.
🔗 Collocations
worthy of – deserving something
worthy cause – a deserving or charitable endeavor
worthy investment – an expenditure that yields good returns
🔄 Synonyms
deserving (adj.) – worthy of something due to merit or effort
meritorious (adj.) – deserving praise or reward
worthwhile (adj.) – sufficiently valuable to justify the effort
🚫 Antonyms
unworthy (adj.) – not deserving or lacking merit
undeserving (adj.) – not worthy of something
🌱 Derivatives
unworthy (adj.) – not worthy or deserving
worthiness (n.) – the quality of being worthy
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'worthy' originates from Old English 'weorþ', related to German 'wert', meaning 'value' or 'price'. It evolved to describe something or someone deserving respect or effort, reflecting societal values on merit and dignity.
Meaning 2：deserving respect (worthy)
worthy
/ˈwɜːrði/
adj.
Having good qualities and deserving respect.
deserving respect
➕
/dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ rɪˈspekt/
adj.
This meaning describes a person or thing that possesses admirable qualities and earns esteem from others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She is a worthy member of our community, always volunteering and helping others.
She is a respected member of the community due to her voluntary work and assistance.
🔗 Collocations
worthy citizen – a person who contributes positively to society
worthy achievement – an accomplishment that commands respect
worthy opponent – a competitor who is respected for their skills
🔄 Synonyms
respectable (adj.) – deserving respect due to good conduct or qualities
admirable (adj.) – worthy of admiration or praise
honorable (adj.) – having or showing honesty and good moral character
🚫 Antonyms
unworthy (adj.) – not deserving respect or esteem
disreputable (adj.) – not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
🌱 Derivatives
unworthy (adj.) – not worthy of respect
worthiness (n.) – the state of being worthy
Wordbook
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