Honour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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honour

[หˆษ’nษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in society

high respect; great esteem

Synonyms

admiration, esteem, respect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
honour

Typically used to recognize someone's achievements, bravery, or moral integrity. It can also refer to a formal title or award.

  • She received the highest honour for her services to the community.
  • It was an honour to meet the president.
respect

Used in everyday situations to show regard and consideration for someone or something. It can apply to individuals, ideas, or things and indicates both acknowledgment and deference.

  • It's important to show respect to your elders.
  • I have a lot of respect for her hard work and dedication.
esteem

Often used in more formal contexts to indicate high regard and respect for someone. It suggests deep appreciation and acknowledgement of someone's worth.

  • The professor is held in high esteem by her colleagues.
  • He earned the esteem of his peers for his innovative research.
admiration

Appropriate when expressing strong approval and liking for someone or something, often due to their qualities, talents, or deeds.

  • I have great admiration for her dedication to helping others.
  • The athlete received tremendous admiration from fans around the world.

Examples of usage

  • He is held in high honour by his colleagues.
  • She was awarded the honour for her contributions to the community.
Context #2 | Verb

showing respect

to regard or treat with admiration and respect

Synonyms

adore, respect, venerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
honour

Used to show high respect and admiration for someone or something, usually due to their achievements, virtues, or noble qualities.

  • The soldiers fought to honour their country.
  • They will honour their parents by continuing the family tradition.
respect

Used when showing or expressing regard and consideration for someone or something due to their qualities, achievements, or position.

  • She has always shown great respect for her teachers.
  • The team respected the decisions made by their coach.
adore

Often used to express deep love and fondness, especially in a personal or intimate context. It can also be applied to things or activities someone is very fond of.

  • She absolutely adores her little dog.
  • They adore visiting the beach every summer.
venerate

Typically used in a more formal or religious context to show deep respect or reverence for someone or something, often because of their age, wisdom, or holiness.

  • Many cultures venerate their ancestors.
  • The saint is venerated by thousands of followers.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers honoured their fallen comrades with a memorial service.
  • She honoured her parents by following in their footsteps.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, honour is often tied to family and community reputation, influencing individual behavior.
  • Certain societies, like samurai in Japan, are well-known for their strict codes of honour that dictate their actions.
  • In some cultures, honour can lead to intense loyalty, sometimes resulting in honour-based violence if perceived slights occur.

Literature

  • Honour is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's plays, often driving character motivations and conflicts.
  • Many epic poems and stories, such as the Iliad, explore honour as central to the heroesโ€™ identities.
  • Modern literature continues to address what it means to be honourable in a complex world, questioning traditional values.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals who feel they act honourably are often happier and more satisfied with their lives.
  • A strong sense of honour can enhance resilience, providing people with a sense of purpose during difficult times.
  • Honour-related motivations can influence decision-making, often leading individuals to prioritize their values.

Pop Culture

  • Films and television shows often depict honour as a crucial value, especially in stories featuring knights and warriors.
  • The concept of honour has led to the creation of various games where players earn 'honour points' for good deeds.
  • Current social movements sometimes invoke honour to challenge injustice and promote fairness in communities.

Origin of 'honour'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'honour' originates from the Latin 'honor', which means 'esteem or respect'.
  • In Old French, 'onore' was used, reflecting the importance of social status and prestige in medieval society.
  • In many languages, similar words exist, showcasing that respect is valued across cultures.

The word 'honour' originated from Middle English, from Old French 'honor', from Latin 'honor', 'honos'. The concept of honour has been deeply ingrained in various cultures throughout history, often associated with principles of integrity, respect, and dignity.


See also: dishonour.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,927, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.