An honor is a feeling of respect and pride that people have for each other or for something important.
When we talk about honoring someone or something, we usually mean showing them respect and admiration. For example, if you graduate at the top of your class, you might be honored with a special award in front of your family and friends. This means they're acknowledging your hard work and achievement as something to be proud of. We also often use "honor" when talking about rules or principles that are important to us - like honesty being an honor code in school, meaning we believe it's essential to tell the truth even if it's difficult.
In everyday life, people might say things like "I'm honored to work for such a great company" which means they feel proud and respected by their job. Or someone might be honored as a guest of honor at an event, because they're being recognized for something special they've done. In general, when we talk about honoring, we're talking about showing appreciation or admiration for people or things that are valuable to us.
How common is "honor"?
Word honor is considered uncommon in modern English. It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
Recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration (of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful)
Example: The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
The state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity
Example: He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
A token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen
Example: Audie Murphy received many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Cross.
A privilege
Example: I had the honour of dining with the ambassador.
(in the plural) the privilege of going first
Example: I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
Example: He is an honour to his nation.
(feudal law) a seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
The center point of the upper half of an armorial escutcheon (compare honour point)
In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
(in the plural) (courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
Example: At university I took honours in modern history.
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chivalrygentlemanlinessglorydishonor
verb
To think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognise the importance or spiritual value of
Example: The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
To conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like)
Example: I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
To confer (bestow) an honour or privilege upon (someone)
Example: Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
To make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.)
Example: I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.
