military honours: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Official; Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “military honours” mean?
Public ceremonies, rituals, or awards conferred by the state, typically involving armed forces personnel, to recognize exceptional service, bravery, or sacrifice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Public ceremonies, rituals, or awards conferred by the state, typically involving armed forces personnel, to recognize exceptional service, bravery, or sacrifice.
Any formal recognition or ceremonial tribute, especially one involving uniformed personnel, given to mark significant national or personal events such as state funerals, memorials, or acts of valor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'honours' (UK) vs. 'honors' (US). Concept is identical, though specific award names and ceremonial details differ between nations.
Connotations
Strong connotations of tradition, national respect, and solemn ceremony in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in formal/official contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “military honours” in a Sentence
[Verb] + military honours: receive, award, bestow, confer, deny, earn[Preposition] + military honours: with full military honours[Adjective] + military honours: full, highest, posthumous, nationalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “military honours” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regiment was honoured in a special ceremony.
American English
- The soldier was honored with a Purple Heart.
adverb
British English
- He acted honourably throughout the conflict.
American English
- She served honorably for twenty years.
adjective
British English
- It was an honourable discharge.
American English
- He received an honorable mention.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in PR context for events involving veterans.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or sociological texts discussing state rituals, nationalism, or military history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used when discussing news about state funerals, memorials, or notable awards.
Technical
Used in military manuals, protocol documents, and official state ceremony planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “military honours”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “military honours”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “military honours”
- Using singular 'honour' (incorrect: *'military honour was given').
- Confusing with 'military honor' (US spelling) as a singular abstract concept of integrity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Honours' is the British English spelling, while 'Honors' is the American English spelling. The meaning is identical.
It can refer to a specific high award (e.g., 'the Victoria Cross is the highest military honour'), but more commonly, the plural form refers to the collective ceremony or a set of awards.
Primarily military personnel, but they can also be awarded posthumously or to civilians for exceptional service to the military or nation in times of war, depending on national regulations.
Typically includes a flag-draped coffin, a military guard of honour, a gun carriage, a rifle volley (three-volley salute), the playing of Taps (US) or The Last Post (UK), and the presentation of the flag to the next of kin.
Public ceremonies, rituals, or awards conferred by the state, typically involving armed forces personnel, to recognize exceptional service, bravery, or sacrifice.
Military honours is usually formal; official; journalistic in register.
Military honours: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tri ˈɒn.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪˌter.i ˈɑː.nɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with all the bells and whistles (informal, for elaborate ceremony)”
- “a hero's send-off”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine HONOURing a MILITARY hero with a SOLDIER's SALUTE and MEDALS at a formal CEREMONY.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECT IS A PUBLIC CEREMONY (The abstract concept of respect is manifested in a tangible, ritualized event).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'with full military honours' typically imply?