honour
C1Formal, elevated; common in official, legal, military, ceremonial, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
High respect, esteem, or admiration; adherence to what is right or a conventional standard of conduct.
A source of pride or distinction; a special recognition for excellence; a moral obligation to act with integrity; (in academic contexts) a distinction in an examination; (in polite formulae) a privilege or pleasure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly tied to concepts of personal integrity, public reputation, and moral principles. Can denote both an internal quality (personal honour) and an external award or privilege (military honour).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'honour', American English uses 'honor'. The word is generally more prevalent in British institutional language (e.g., honours degree, honours list, court of honour).
Connotations
Connotations are similar but may feel slightly more archaic or ceremonial in general American usage, except in set phrases like 'in honor of'.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, especially in compound nouns and official titles. In US English, 'respect' or 'integrity' might be used in some everyday contexts where UK English retains 'honour'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have the honour to do sthto do sb the honour of doing sthto honour sb with sthto be honoured for sthin honour of sb/sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A point of honour”
- “On your honour”
- “Honour among thieves”
- “Do the honours”
- “There's honour among thieves.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'honour a contract/agreement/debt' meaning to fulfil an obligation.
Academic
Common in 'honours degree' (UK/Commonwealth) and phrases like 'honour roll', 'with honours'.
Everyday
Formal occasions, invitations ('We request the honour of your presence'), and expressions of gratitude ('It's an honour').
Technical
Legal/official: 'court of honour', 'code of honour'; Military: 'medals of honour', 'honours of war'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We are deeply honoured to welcome you.
- The company failed to honour its warranty.
- He was honoured with a knighthood.
American English
- They will honor the veterans at the ceremony.
- Please honor your commitment.
- She was honored with the Presidential Medal.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; found in compounds like 'honour-bound').
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; found in compounds like 'honor-bound').
adjective
British English
- He is an honour graduate from Oxford.
- They have an honour system in the library.
- It was an honour guard for the ambassador.
American English
- She is an honor student.
- We run on the honor system here.
- An honor guard escorted the casket.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was an honour to meet you.
- He is a man of honour.
- They held a party in honour of her retirement.
- Soldiers fight for the honour of their country.
- The scandal damaged the family's honour irreparably.
- She graduated with first-class honours in Law.
- The peace treaty included the traditional honours of war for the defeated garrison.
- His actions, though controversial, were motivated by a strict personal code of honour.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a KNIGHT receiving an HONOUR from the Queen. The extra 'U' in the British spelling is like the U-shaped medal she places around his neck.
Conceptual Metaphor
HONOUR IS A VALUABLE POSSESSION (defend your honour), HONOUR IS AN AWARD/GIFT (bestow an honour), HONOUR IS CLEANLINESS (a spotless honour).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'honesty' (честность). Honour (честь) is broader, encompassing reputation and moral dignity.
- The phrase 'in honour of' translates as 'в честь', not 'на честь'.
- The verb 'to honour' often corresponds to 'оказывать почёт', 'чествовать', or 'выполнять' (as in a promise).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling in regional context (using 'honor' in a UK text).
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'respect' would be more natural.
- Confusing 'honour' (abstract concept/award) with 'honorary' (given as an honour without the usual requirements).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the British spelling 'honour' MOST likely to be required?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Honour is a deeper, often more formal concept tied to moral integrity and public esteem. Respect is broader, covering admiration, consideration, and deference, and is more commonly used in everyday contexts.
Yes, it is generally considered formal or elevated. In casual conversation, words like 'respect', 'pride', or 'award' are often used instead, depending on the meaning.
It has two main uses: 1) To show respect for someone/something (They honoured the scientist with a prize). 2) To fulfil an obligation or keep an agreement (You must honour your promise).
Not exactly. In the UK/Commonwealth, it's the standard undergraduate degree classification (e.g., 'first-class honours'). In the US, an 'honors degree' usually refers to a special program within a standard degree, often involving extra coursework or a thesis.