homage
C1Formal, Literary, Art/Media criticism
Definition
Meaning
Special honour or respect shown publicly, especially towards someone or something admired or influential.
A work, action, or artistic creation created in deliberate, respectful imitation of or tribute to another work, artist, or style.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a formal, public, or ceremonial act of respect. In modern media contexts, it often refers to a deliberate reference or stylistic nod to a predecessor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British pronunciation traditionally uses /ˈhɒm.ɪdʒ/ with a silent 'h'. The American pronunciation strongly prefers /ˈɑː.mɪdʒ/ or /ˈoʊ.mɪdʒ/, with an aspirated 'h' (/ˈhɑː.mɪdʒ/) also accepted. The silent 'h' in UK English can affect preceding article usage ('an homage' vs. 'a homage').
Connotations
In the UK, the silent 'h' pronunciation retains a stronger historical/feudal connotation. In the US, the aspirated pronunciation is standard, and the term is more frequently used in artistic and cultural commentary.
Frequency
More frequent in US cultural and media discourse (e.g., 'The film is an homage to 1950s noir'). In UK English, 'tribute' is often preferred in everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
pay homage to [sb/sth]do homage to [sb/sth] (archaic)in homage to [sb/sth][work] is an homage to [sb/sth][sb] offers/presents homageVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pay homage to”
- “A nod is as good as a wink (related concept of indirect reference)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The CEO paid homage to the company's founders in her keynote.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, and cultural studies. 'The poet's work is an homage to the metaphysical tradition.'
Everyday
Low frequency; 'tribute' is more common. 'The community garden was created in homage to a local activist.'
Technical
Used in film, art, and literary criticism to denote deliberate stylistic reference. 'The director's use of chiaroscuro is a clear homage to German Expressionism.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Verb use is archaic and not recommended. Use 'to pay homage to' instead.
American English
- Verb use is archaic and not recommended. Use 'to pay homage to' instead.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form.
American English
- No adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Adjectival use is rare. 'A homage film' might be used in very specialist criticism.
American English
- 'Homage' is sometimes used attributively (like a noun adjunct): 'an homage album', 'an homage scene'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The statue was built in homage to a famous king.
- Many fans paid homage to the singer by covering her songs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HOME' + 'AGE'. The respect (homage) you show to the 'old age' and history of your 'home' or tradition.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECT IS A CEREMONIAL GIFT/ACT (pay homage, offer homage). ARTISTIC REFERENCE IS A BOW/NOD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'омаж' (rare, direct loan). The closest common equivalents are 'дань уважения' (tribute of respect) or 'почтение'. It is not 'поклонение' (worship/adoration), which is stronger.
- In artistic contexts, it can be translated as 'стилистическая отсылка' (stylistic reference) or 'посвящение' (dedication).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'ommage' or 'hommage' (the latter is French).
- Using it as a verb ('to homage someone' is non-standard; use 'to pay homage to').
- Incorrect article with UK pronunciation: saying 'a homage' instead of the traditional 'an homage' when using the silent 'h'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'homage' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct depending on pronunciation. 'An homage' is used with the traditional British silent 'h' (/ˈɒm.ɪdʒ/). 'A homage' is used with the aspirated American 'h' (/ˈhɑː.mɪdʒ/). In writing, 'an homage' is still frequently seen.
No, in modern standard English, 'homage' is exclusively a noun. The verb phrase is 'to pay homage to' or 'to do homage to' (archaic).
They are synonyms, but 'homage' is more formal and often implies a ceremonial or public act of respect, especially from a subordinate. 'Tribute' is broader and more common, covering anything from praise to monetary payment. In art, 'homage' suggests a more deliberate, imitative reference.
The most standard American pronunciation is /ˈɑː.mɪdʒ/ (OM-ij), rhyming with 'fromage'. The pronunciation /ˈhɑː.mɪdʒ/ (HOM-ij) is also widely accepted and used.
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