Homage: meaning, definitions and examples

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homage

 

[หˆhษ’mษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

paying respect

Homage is a special honor or respect shown publicly.

Synonyms

respect, reverence, tribute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
homage

Use 'homage' when showing deep respect or admiration, often in a formal or ceremonial context. It can be used to honor people, traditions, or achievements.

  • The author wrote this book as a homage to his mentor.
  • The statue was erected in homage to the soldiers who fought in the war.
respect

Use 'respect' in everyday situations to show regard or consideration for someone or something. It can be used in personal, professional, and social contexts.

  • It's important to respect other people's opinions.
  • He has a lot of respect for his teachers.
reverence

Use 'reverence' when showing profound and deep respect, often mixed with awe or veneration. Typically used in religious or highly formal contexts.

  • The pilgrims showed reverence at the sacred site.
  • Her reverence for the old traditions was evident in her actions.
tribute

Use 'tribute' when offering something as a sign of gratitude, respect, or admiration, often in the form of speeches, actions, or objects. This can be used in both positive and somber contexts.

  • They held a concert as a tribute to the late musician.
  • The community paid tribute to the firefighters for their bravery.

Examples of usage

  • He paid homage to his ancestors by visiting their graves.
  • She received a standing ovation as a homage to her incredible performance.
  • The statue was built as a homage to the great leader of the past.
Context #2 | Noun

acknowledging superiority

Homage can also refer to a formal public acknowledgment of allegiance to a feudal lord.

Synonyms

allegiance, fealty, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
homage

Use this word when showing public respect or honor towards someone, often in a formal or ceremonial context.

  • The townspeople paid homage to their heroes during the annual celebration
  • The artist's new work is an homage to her mentor
fealty

Use this term in historical or medieval contexts to describe a vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord, emphasizing a kind of loyal service.

  • The soldier declared his fealty to the lord
  • In medieval times, vassals were bound by fealty
loyalty

This word is best for everyday situations to denote a strong feeling of support or duty towards someone or something.

  • Her loyalty to her friends is unwavering
  • The company's success is due to the loyalty of its customers
allegiance

This word is appropriate when describing a formal or legal loyalty to a ruler, country, group, or cause.

  • In his speech, he pledged his allegiance to the nation
  • The knight swore allegiance to the king

Examples of usage

  • The knights swore their homage to the king.
  • The vassal paid homage to the feudal lord.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'hommage', originally meaning 'man' or 'vassal', showing a connection of loyalty.
  • In feudal times, homage was a formal ceremony where a vassal pledged loyalty to a lord, highlighting the importance of respect in society.
  • The term evolved to encompass various forms of tribute and respect, extending beyond feudal relationships.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, paying homage is common during memorial services, illustrating respect for the deceasedโ€™s achievements.
  • Fashion and art often show homage by paying tribute to past styles or artists, promoting a blend of old and new ideas.
  • Festivals or parades sometimes include homages to historical figures, celebrating their contributions to culture and society.

Literature & Art

  • Many writers and artists create works that pay homage to influential figures, reflecting their admiration and influence.
  • In films, directors often include homage scenes that reference classic movies or iconic directors to honor their impact on cinema.
  • The genre of music known as 'cover songs' frequently serves as a homage to original artists, celebrating their artistry.

Psychology

  • Showing homage can create a sense of community and belonging, strengthening social bonds and shared values.
  • Research indicates that expressing respect and honor can enhance the giver's and receiver's well-being and self-esteem.
  • Paying homage can also serve as a coping mechanism for grief, allowing individuals to honor and remember loved ones.

Pop Culture

  • The popular video game franchise 'Final Fantasy' pays homage to classic fantasy literature through its characters and storylines.
  • Tribute concerts often feature artists performing songs in homage to legends who have passed away, celebrating their music and legacy.
  • TV shows might pay homage to earlier series through guest stars or similar plot elements, connecting generations of viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "homage" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น homenagem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฎเฅเคฎเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Huldigung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penghormatan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะฐะฝะธะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hoล‚d

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ•ฌๆ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hommage

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ homenaje

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hรผrmet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฒฝ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูƒุฑูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hold

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hold

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ฌๆ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poklon

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ virรฐing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑั€ะผะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜แƒกแƒชแƒ”แƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรถrmษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ homenaje

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,249, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.