Is 'honours' singular or plural?

It is primarily a plural noun (e.g., 'He received many honours'). However, it functions as a singular noun when referring to a type of academic degree or course (e.g., 'She is doing an honours in Physics').

What's the difference between 'honour' and 'honours'?

'Honour' is an abstract concept of integrity and respect. 'Honours' (plural) typically refers to concrete awards, distinctions, or specific advanced academic programmes.

How do I spell it in American English?

The standard American English spelling is 'honors', without the 'u' (e.g., 'military honors', 'honors degree').

What does 'do the honours' mean?

It's an idiom meaning to perform a social duty or small ceremony, like carving a turkey, opening a bottle of champagne, or introducing guests at a party.

Is “honours” formal?

Honours is usually formal, academic in register.

How do you pronounce “honours”?

Honours: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒnəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːnɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

honours: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈɒnəz/US/ˈɑːnɚz/

Formal, Academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “honours” mean?

High public esteem or special distinction conferred for achievement.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

High public esteem or special distinction conferred for achievement.

A special distinction in an academic degree; a class or course of study for degrees of a higher standard; in card games, the high-value cards (Ace, King, Queen, etc.).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the UK, 'honours' is standard in 'honours degree' (e.g., 'BA Hons') and 'military honours'. In the US, 'honors' (no 'u') is the standard spelling for equivalent terms (e.g., 'honors degree', 'military honors'), though 'honours' may appear in specific titles or names.

Connotations

Similar connotations of high achievement and formal recognition in both varieties.

Frequency

The word form 'honours' is significantly more frequent in British English. The American English spelling 'honors' is the norm in the US.

Grammar

How to Use “honours” in a Sentence

award/bestow/confer honours (on/upon someone)graduate with honours (in a subject)do the honours (perform a social duty)roll of honour

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

first-class honoursmilitary honoursfinal honoursdegree with honoursbirthday honours

medium

graduate with honourslist of honoursbestow honoursacademic honoursguard of honour

weak

great honoursreceived honoursancient honoursspecial honourshigh honours

Examples

Examples of “honours” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The university honours its distinguished alumni at the annual ceremony.
He was honoured with a CBE for services to literature.

American English

The university honors its distinguished alumni at the annual ceremony.
He was honored with a medal for his bravery.

adverb

British English

Not applicable. 'Honourably' exists, but not directly from 'honours'.

American English

Not applicable. 'Honorably' exists, but not directly from 'honors'.

adjective

British English

She is enrolled in the honours programme in Biochemistry.
He gave an honours lecture on medieval history.

American English

She is enrolled in the honors program in Biochemistry.
He gave an honors lecture on medieval history.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare in core business; used metaphorically for high achievement awards (e.g., 'sales honours').

Academic

Central term for advanced degrees (e.g., 'an honours degree', 'graduate with first-class honours').

Everyday

Used in contexts of formal awards and ceremonies (e.g., 'the Queen's Birthday Honours list').

Technical

In contract bridge/whist, refers to the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “honours”

Strong

laurelsglorieskudos prestige

Neutral

awardsdistinctionsaccoladestitlesdecorations

Weak

prizesrecognitioncommendationsmerits

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “honours”

disgrace dishonour shame ignominy reproach

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “honours”

Using 'honors' spelling in a UK context.
Using singular 'honour' when referring to academic degrees or awards (e.g., 'I studied honours history').
Confusing 'honours degree' with any degree awarded 'with honour'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is primarily a plural noun (e.g., 'He received many honours'). However, it functions as a singular noun when referring to a type of academic degree or course (e.g., 'She is doing an honours in Physics').
: 'Honour' is an abstract concept of integrity and respect. 'Honours' (plural) typically refers to concrete awards, distinctions, or specific advanced academic programmes.
: The standard American English spelling is 'honors', without the 'u' (e.g., 'military honors', 'honors degree').
: It's an idiom meaning to perform a social duty or small ceremony, like carving a turkey, opening a bottle of champagne, or introducing guests at a party.
: High public esteem or special distinction conferred for achievement.
: Honours is usually formal, academic in register.
: Honours: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒnəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːnɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“do the honours”
“roll of honour”
“honours are even”
“last honours (funeral rites)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a university GRADUATE wearing a special HONOURS sash over their shoulders at a ceremony. The 'U' in 'honours' can stand for the UK and its universities where this spelling is standard.

Conceptual Metaphor

HONOURS ARE VALUABLE OBJECTS TO BE BESTOWED (confer, award, receive honours).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the UK, a student who achieves the highest marks will graduate with honours.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the spelling 'honours' most likely to be correct?