A predicate is an honorific form of address, or an honorific description. For example, Royal Highness, Serene Highness (German, Durchlaucht) and Illustrious Highness (Erlaucht) are predicates. In Spain, grandees are entitled to the predicate excelentísimo and other titled nobles to ilustrísimo. In Italy, a feudal nom de terre is considered as a predicate. In the Netherlands, jonkheer (écuyer) is a predicate, whereas in Belgium, following a decision of the Cour de Cassation in 1927, it is considered a title. In the UK, ‘Honourable’ or ‘Right Honourable’, or ‘Sir’ (for a Knight or Baronet), all before the name, or Esquire (always after the name) are predicates, although the term predicate is not used.
