worthy
UK: ˈwɜːði | US: ˈwɜːrði
adj. deserving respect, admiration, or support
adj. having sufficient worth or merit (often followed by of)
adj. suitable or appropriate for a specified purpose
The word worthy originates from Old English weorþig, derived from weorþ (meaning "value" or "worth") combined with the adjectival suffix -ig (modern -y). The root worth traces back to Proto-Germanic werþaz, related to the concept of value or deserving. Over time, -y became a common suffix in English to form adjectives indicating a characteristic (e.g., happy, stormy). The logical progression reflects how something "full of worth" came to mean "deserving" or "respectable."
She proved herself worthy of the leadership role.
The project is worthy of further investment.
His actions were not worthy of a true friend.
This ancient artifact is worthy of preservation.
Only the most worthy candidates will be selected.