dignitaries; VIPs; very important persons
Polite, somewhat formal term for people of high status or importance, often used collectively. The honorific お adds a respectful tone.
Many dignitaries were present at the venue.
It's nerve-wracking to give a speech in front of VIPs.
Most common modern spelling with honorific prefix お and kanji 歴々.
Variant spelling without iteration mark; less common but still used.
Formal or literary spelling using the kanji 御 for the honorific prefix.
Formal or literary spelling with 御 and without iteration mark.
Formed from the honorific prefix お and 歴々, “distinguished or eminent people.” 歴々 originally conveys being clearly recognizable or illustrious.