An honour is respect and admiration for someone or something.
When we talk about giving someone an honour, it usually means awarding them a title, prize, or recognition that shows how much they're valued. For example, a university might give an honorary degree to someone who has made significant contributions to their field. In this case, the person is being honoured for their achievements. It's not just about saying "thank you," but about acknowledging what they've done and showing respect for it.
We also talk about honour in terms of keeping promises or doing the right thing. When we say someone acts with honour, we mean that they behave with integrity and don't cheat or lie to get ahead. For instance, a company might be accused of lacking honour if it's found to have broken laws or misled customers. In this sense, honour is more about principles and ethics than just giving someone credit for something.
Note: When 'honour' is used as a noun, it means respect and admiration. When it's an adjective (as in 'to act with honour'), it means behaving with integrity and following your principles.
How common is "honour"?
Word honour is considered rare in modern English. It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
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.
