honor
honor
Pronunciation
honor/honour: /ˈɒnər/
On-: /ɒn/ (ɒ as in "pot", n as in "no")
-or: /ər/ (ə as in "sofa", r as in "red")
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: honor/honour
Plural: honors/honours
Verb:
Base Form: honor/honour
Third Person Singular Present: honors/honours
Present Participle: honoring/honouring
Past Tense/Past Participle: honored/honoured
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A high respect or esteem shown to someone or something, often publicly.
Synonyms: reverence, adoration, admiration, veneration, deference, glory, prestige, renown
Antonyms: disrespect, disregard, contempt, ignominy, shame, disgrace
Example: The veteran received many honors for his service to the country.
Adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct; integrity.
Synonyms: integrity, probity, rectitude, uprightness, honesty, principle, ethics
Antonyms: dishonesty, corruption, perfidy, dishonor, treachery
Example: He was a man of great honor, always keeping his word.
A privilege or distinction, especially a special mark of respect or an award.
Synonyms: privilege, distinction, award, accolade, tribute, commendation
Antonyms: burden, disadvantage, discredit, ignominy
Example: It was an honor to be invited to speak at the conference.
Verb
To regard with great respect or esteem; to revere.
Synonyms: respect, esteem, revere, venerate, adore, worship, exalt, commend
Antonyms: disrespect, dishonor, scorn, mock, denigrate, despise
Example: We honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
To fulfill an obligation or keep a promise.
Synonyms: fulfill, observe, uphold, keep, adhere to, abide by, meet
Antonyms: break, violate, renege on, disregard, neglect
Example: The company honored its commitment to its employees.
To show respect to (someone or something) by giving them an award or special recognition.
Synonyms: commemorate, celebrate, recognize, award, distinguish, dignify
Antonyms: ignore, disregard, forget, diminish
Example: The university decided to honor the graduating class with a special ceremony.
Examples of Use
Books:
"The Princess Bride is a story about fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles… and the quest for honor." (William Goldman, The Princess Bride, 1973)
"It is not honour that you should desire, but that which brings honour." (Sophocles, Antigone, c. 441 BCE)
Newspapers:
"Local Heroes to Be Honored at Annual Community Gala" ( The Daily Chronicle, April 2024)
"The journalist refused to reveal her source, stating it was a matter of professional honour." (The Guardian, October 2023)
Online Publications:
"Breaking down the unwritten rules of the esports world, from sportsmanship to honor codes." (ESPN Esports, January 2024)
"How to graciously accept an award and honor those who helped you succeed." (Forbes.com, November 2023)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I will restore my honor!" (Zuko, Avatar: The Last Airbender, originally aired February 2005)
Television Series: "She fights for the honor of her house." (Game of Thrones, HBO, April 2011)
Video Game: "For Honor" (Ubisoft, released February 2017) - the title itself uses the word.
Music: "I did it my way, with my honor intact." (Lyrics from a contemporary song, specific artist and title not readily available)
General Public Discourse:
"It's a great honor to be here today to speak with you all." (Statement by a public speaker at a conference, common usage)
"Please honor the quiet hours in the dormitories." (Sign posted in university residence halls)
"We must honor the fallen by continuing their fight for justice." (Spoken during a remembrance ceremony)
10 Quotes Using Honor/Honour
"The most important thing is to be true to yourself, but also to be true to the people that you love, to your family, to your friends, to your community, to your country. And that's all about honor." (John McCain)
"I have been a man of honour and I have done my duty." (Robert E. Lee)
"The honour of a country depends on the character of its people." (Lord Chesterfield)
"Give honour to the one who gives you bread." (Kurdish Proverb)
"Better to die with honor than live with shame." (Japanese Proverb)
"Honour is not the property of any political party." (Margaret Thatcher)
"Where there is no honour, there is no humility." (Pope John Paul II)
"My honour is my life." (William Shakespeare, Othello)
"The highest compact we can make with our fellow is, 'Let there be truth between us two forevermore.' It is not the honor of a man, but the man of honor, who is to be trusted." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by fraud." (Sophocles)
Etymology
The word "honor" (or "honour" in British English) has a long and interesting history. It comes to us through French and Latin.
Think of it like this:
The very first known uses of "honor" in English, appearing around the 12th century, mainly meant "glory," "renown," or "fame earned." So, if someone had "honor," it meant they were well-known and respected for their achievements or good reputation.
It made its way into English from the Anglo-French word "honour" and the Old French words "onor" or "honor." These French words themselves came from the Latin word "honorem" (or the older form "honos").
While we know where it came from in French and Latin, the ultimate origin of the Latin "honorem" is actually unknown! It's a word that's been around for a very long time, with its roots buried deep in ancient languages.
Over time, the meaning of "honor" expanded to include ideas like dignity, respect shown to someone, a special privilege, and even a person's good character or integrity. The different spellings ("honor" vs. "honour") came about later due to influences like Noah Webster in the US, who pushed for the shorter "honor" spelling, while "honour" remained preferred in Britain.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Honor/Honour
Word of honor: A solemn promise or pledge.
To do the honors: To perform a social duty, especially to serve or present something.
Maid of honor: The chief bridesmaid at a wedding.
Man of honor: A man of integrity and good reputation.
Point of honor: A matter affecting one's reputation or pride.
To honor a check/agreement: To accept and fulfill the terms of a check or agreement.
To honor a commitment: To fulfill an obligation or promise.
To be honor bound: To feel morally obligated to do something.
With all due honor: With all the respect and deference deserved.
An honor to meet you: A polite expression of respect upon meeting someone.
To die with honor: To maintain one's dignity and integrity even in defeat or death.
To bring honor to: To cause pride or respect for someone or something.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of honor from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
