honor
C1Formal, Elevated. Also used in military, legal, and ceremonial contexts.
Definition
Meaning
High respect or esteem, especially that shown publicly; adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
A privilege or special recognition given as a reward for merit; a person or thing that brings credit to a group; the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right; a woman's chastity or her reputation for this (archaic).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a combination of personal integrity, respect from others, and adherence to a moral code. Can be abstract (a principle) or concrete (an award).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, the noun and verb are spelled 'honour'. In US English, the spelling 'honor' is standard for both. The meanings and usage are otherwise identical.
Connotations
Associated with chivalry, tradition, and integrity in both varieties. Slightly more prevalent in formal, official, and military registers in US English.
Frequency
More frequent in formal writing and speech than in casual conversation in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
honor someone with somethinghonor someone for somethingIt is an honor to + INFhave the honor of + -INGin honor of + NOUNVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on my honor (a solemn promise)”
- “guard of honor”
- “honor among thieves”
- “the honors are even”
- “do the honors (perform a ceremonial duty)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in phrases like 'honor a contract/agreement/invoice' meaning to fulfill an obligation. Also in 'guest of honor' at corporate events.
Academic
Common in titles (Honor Society), awards (graduated with honors), and discussions of ethics and moral philosophy.
Everyday
Less frequent, but appears in formal invitations ('request the honor of your presence'), polite refusals ('I'm honored, but...'), and expressions like 'it's an honor'.
Technical
Specific in military contexts (Medal of Honor, honors of war), law (court of honor, honor bond), and heraldry (coat of arms).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Queen will honour the veterans at the ceremony.
- He failed to honour his financial commitments.
- They honoured her with a lifetime achievement award.
American English
- The President will honor the treaty.
- Please honor your credit card payment.
- The city honored him with the key to the city.
adverb
British English
- This is an honourably discharged soldier.
- They acted most honourably in the situation.
American English
- He was honorably mentioned in the report.
- She conducted herself honorably throughout the ordeal.
adjective
British English
- He is an honourary member of the club.
- They attended an honour guard ceremony.
- She gave an honour pledge.
American English
- She received an honorary degree.
- He served on the honor committee.
- It's a matter of honor bound duty.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was an honor to meet you.
- She is a student with high honor.
- The soldier received a medal for his honor and bravery.
- We must honor our promises.
- The debate centered on the conflict between personal honor and loyalty to the state.
- He was the guest of honor at the awards banquet.
- The professor's academic dishonor scandal tarnished the university's reputation.
- The concept of 'saving face' is deeply intertwined with notions of familial honor in many cultures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'HONOR Roll' at school – it's a public list showing high RESPECT for academic achievement.
Conceptual Metaphor
HONOR IS A VALUABLE OBJECT (to uphold, defend, tarnish, restore). HONOR IS A PATH (to stray from, to walk with).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'удовольствие' (pleasure). 'It's an honor' is not 'Это удовольствие' but 'Это честь'.
- Be careful with 'в честь' = 'in honor of' (NOT 'on honor').
- The Russian 'честь' is broader and can mean 'honesty' or 'reputation' more directly.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'honor of' vs. 'honor for' (He was honored FOR his service).
- Confusing 'honor' (respect) with 'honors' (awards or a special academic status).
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'respect' or 'thanks' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'honor' (US spelling) CORRECTLY as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Respect' is admiration felt or shown. 'Honor' is a more formal, elevated concept often involving public recognition, adherence to a moral code, or a bestowed privilege. You can respect someone privately, but honor often has a public or ceremonial dimension.
It is primarily uncountable (e.g., 'a man of great honor'). However, in the sense of 'an award' or 'a privilege,' it is countable (e.g., 'He received many honors', 'It is an honor').
Yes, phrases like 'honor among thieves' suggest a paradoxical code, and 'a warped sense of honor' can critique a harmful moral system. Sarcastic usage is also possible: 'Oh, the honor of doing all the cleaning!'
It means 'as a celebration of' or 'out of respect for.' It is followed by a noun or noun phrase. Example: 'The dinner was held in honor of the retiring CEO.' Do not confuse it with 'on my honor,' which is a pledge of truthfulness.