Definition

Noun: 1. A formal expression of respect or courtesy: A duty or act of civility, politeness, or respect, often expressed through a visit or gesture. 2. (Archaic) Duty or responsibility: An obligation or task one is bound to perform.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Expression of respect):
  • He paid his devoir to the elderly statesman by visiting him at his home.
  • As a sign of devoir, she sent a formal letter of congratulations.
• Noun (Archaic - Duty):
  • The knight considered it his devoir to protect the weak. (This usage is now rare and literary.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pay one's devoirs": To make a formal visit or gesture as a sign of respect or to fulfill a social obligation.
  • The ambassador paid his devoirs to the new monarch shortly after the coronation.

Variants and Related Words

• Devoir is typically used in its plural form, devoirs, when referring to acts of politeness or formal respects.
  • They exchanged the usual devoirs before beginning the negotiation.

Synonyms

• Courtesy: Polite behavior or gesture.
• Homage: Special honor or respect shown publicly.
• Respects: Polite expressions of consideration or deference.
• (For the archaic sense) Duty, Obligation.

Antonyms

• Disrespect: Lack of respect or courtesy.
• Discourtesy: Rude or impolite behavior.
• Neglect: Failure to care for or give proper attention to something, such as a duty.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: The word devoir is considered formal and is not commonly used in everyday modern English. It is more likely to be encountered in historical, literary, or very formal diplomatic contexts.
• Origin: It is a loanword from French, where "devoir" means "duty" or "to have to."

Noun

1. formal expression of respect