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Honorarium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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honorarium

[หŒษ’nษ™หˆrษ›ษ™rษชษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

payment for services

An honorarium is a payment given for professional services that are rendered, but typically not required to be paid. It is usually given for a special request or for services that are informal in nature, often in academia or other non-profit settings. Honoraria are often seen as a gesture of appreciation rather than a formal salary.

Synonyms

compensation, fee, payment, remuneration.

Examples of usage

  • The speaker received an honorarium for her lecture.
  • He was awarded an honorarium for his consulting work.
  • The organization offered an honorarium to the volunteers.
  • She accepted an honorarium for her artwork displayed at the event.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

  • Honorariums typically don't require a formal contract, but there are regulations based on jurisdiction regarding taxation and reporting.
  • In some professions, receiving an honorarium can affect eligibility for other forms of compensation or grants, especially in academia.
  • The idea of offering an honorarium is often to incentivize participation in events like lectures or workshops without establishing a formal employment relationship.

Cultural Norms

  • In many cultures, offering an honorarium is a sign of gratitude, extending beyond mere financial compensation to a gesture of respect.
  • Professional bodies often encourage the practice of honorariums to promote goodwill and collaboration among peers, helping to strengthen community ties.
  • Different fields regard honorariums differently, with academia viewing them as standard while some businesses might see them as supplementary.

Pop Culture

  • Honorariums can be seen in media where characters receive payments for their knowledge, like professors speaking at conferences.
  • In celebrity culture, public figures often receive honorariums for appearances, spotlighting the blend of fame and professional acknowledgment.
  • Documentaries sometimes explore the background of honorariums, depicting how they support freelance artists and speakers.

Educational Context

  • Universities frequently pay honorariums to guest lecturers to compensate for their time and expertise without formal contracts.
  • In workshops and seminars, honorariums encourage professionals to share their skills, fostering continuous learning and networking.
  • Educational organizations use honorariums to build relationships, indicating the value placed on knowledge exchange and mentorship.

Origin of 'honorarium'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'honorarium,' which means 'of honor,' reflecting the respect associated with the payment.
  • The root 'honor' pertains to value and respect, showing that itโ€™s not just about money but acknowledgment for contributions.
  • Historically, such payments were made to scholars and speakers for their knowledge or effort, emphasizing respect within professional fields.

The word 'honorarium' is derived from the Latin term 'honorarium', which comes from 'honor', meaning 'honor' or 'esteem'. It began to be used in English in the late 19th century, primarily within academic and professional contexts. The use of honoraria has evolved over time, often associated with various forms of recognitions for voluntary contributions or services provided to institutions without a formal expectation of payment. It reflects a societal practice of rewarding and acknowledging expertise in situations where conventional compensation does not apply.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,418, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.