Honoured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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honoured

[หˆษ’n.ษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling respect

Honoured means feeling or showing respect and admiration for someone or something. It can also refer to being given a privilege or a special recognition. This term often expresses a sense of pride in being recognized.

Synonyms

esteemed, respected, valued.

Examples of usage

  • I felt honoured to receive the award.
  • She was honoured with a title for her contributions.
  • He was honoured by his peers for his leadership.
  • It was an honour to meet the guest speaker.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have ceremonies and awards to honour individuals for their achievements, like the Nobel Prize or national holidays.
  • In some traditions, people are honoured through rituals, including naming ceremonies or award dinners, celebrating contributions to society.
  • The concept of honour dates back to ancient societies where courage and loyalty were highly valued.

Psychological Effects

  • Receiving honour can boost self-esteem and motivate individuals to achieve more in the future.
  • The recognition associated with being honoured often fosters a sense of belonging and community support.
  • Studies show people who feel honoured are more likely to engage positively with others and contribute to communal well-being.

Literature and Art

  • In literature, characters often seek honour, believing it enriches their lives and elevates their status among peers.
  • Many heroic narratives, such as those in ancient epics, revolve around the quest for honour, showcasing the value placed on it across eras.
  • Famous works like Shakespeareโ€™s 'Henry V' explore themes of honour, raising questions of what it truly means to be honourable.

Pop Culture

  • Film narratives, like in 'The Godfather', highlight how honour dictates choices, driving charactersโ€™ motivations and conflicts.
  • Honour is often a theme in video games, influencing player decisions and character development in games like 'Assassinโ€™s Creed'.
  • In sports, athletes are often honoured for achievements, creating role models for younger generations to aspire to.

Origin of 'honoured'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'honor', meaning 'esteem or dignity'.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'honour', reflecting its significance in social status and virtue.
  • The spelling 'honoured' is more commonly used in British English, while 'honored' is used in American English.

The word 'honoured' comes from the Middle English term 'honouren', which is derived from the Old French 'onor', meaning 'to honor'. Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'honor', which means 'esteem' or 'dignity'. Originally, the term was associated with high respect and veneration in various social and noble contexts. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader applications, including personal achievements and recognition in various fields. The usage of 'honoured' emphasizes the significance of the acknowledgment received and is often used in formal contexts or occasions that celebrate accomplishments or contributions. As societies evolved, the expression of honour became an integral part of social interactions, highlighting the values of respect and recognition in human relationships.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,810 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.