सम्मान्य (sammaany)

adjective An adjective meaning 'respectable, honorable' -- related to सम्मान (sammaan, 'respect'), the noun most learners meet first.
Sense 1 : respectable, worthy of honor
adjective
Synonyms: आदरणीय (aadarniiy), माननीय (maanniiy, formal, used for titles/addressing dignitaries), सम्मानित (sammaanit, 'honored', describes someone already given honor rather than merely deserving it)
Frequency: low
Cultural Note: This word lives mostly in formal registers -- letters, speeches, introductions of guests at an event -- rather than in the easy give-and-take of daily conversation. If you are chatting with friends about someone you admire, आदरणीय (aadarniiy) or just इज़्ज़त वाला (izzat vaalaa) type phrasing feels far more natural; सम्मान्य (sammaany) is the word you reach for on a stage or in print.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often mix this up with सम्मानित (sammaanit): सम्मान्य (sammaany) means 'deserving of respect' (a potential/inherent quality), while सम्मानित (sammaanit) means 'has been honored' (an action already done to someone). 2) This word is rarely used in casual speech about everyday people -- it shows up in formal writing, introductions, or addressing elders/dignitaries, not in a normal chat about a coworker you respect.
Sample Sentences:
आज के कार्यक्रम में हमारे बीच कई सम्मान्य अतिथि उपस्थित हैं। Several respectable guests are present among us at today's event.
(aaj ke kaaryakram men hamaare biich kaii sammaany atithi upasthit hain।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
यह विद्यालय क्षेत्र के सबसे सम्मान्य शिक्षकों में से एक द्वारा स्थापित किया गया था। This school was established by one of the most respectable teachers of the region.
(yah vidyaalay kshetr ke sabse sammaany shikshkon men se ek dvaaraa sthaapit kiyaa gayaa thaa।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Passive
समाज में सम्मान्य बने रहने के लिए व्यक्ति को अपने वचन का पालन करना चाहिए। To remain respectable in society, a person must keep their word.
(samaaj men sammaany bane rahne ke lie vyakti ko apne vachan kaa paalan karnaa chaahie।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Habitual -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
यदि वह अपने पद का सम्मान करता तो आज इतना सम्मान्य न होता। If he had honored his position, he would not be this respectable today.
(yadi vah apne pad kaa sammaan kartaa to aaj itnaa sammaany n hotaa।)
Register: Literary -- Mood: Counterfactual -- Aspect: Habitual -- Voice: Active
सभा में उपस्थित सम्मान्य सदस्यों का स्वागत किया जाता है। The respectable members present at the assembly are welcomed.
(sabhaa men upasthit sammaany sadasyon kaa svaagat kiyaa jaataa hai।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Habitual -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Passive
मुझे आशा है कि आगामी वर्षों में यह संस्था और भी सम्मान्य बने। I hope that in the coming years this institution becomes even more respectable.
(mujhe aashaa hai ki aagaamii varshon men yah sansthaa aur bhii sammaany bane।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Subjunctive -- Voice: Active
सम्मान्य महोदय, कृपया अपना स्थान ग्रहण करें। Respectable sir, please take your seat.
(sammaany mahoday, kripyaa apnaa sthaan grahan karen।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Imperative -- Voice: Active
उन्हें उनके पूरे जीवन में एक अत्यंत सम्मान्य नागरिक के रूप में जाना जाता रहा है। He has been known throughout his life as an extremely respectable citizen.
(unhen unke poore jiivan men ek atyant sammaany naagrik ke roop men jaanaa jaataa rahaa hai।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Continuous -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Passive
Morphology
Adjective (invariant)
invariant: सम्मान्य (sammaany)